Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway: Umahi begins demolition of Landmark Beach

The Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, on Saturday in Lagos, flagged off the demolition of a section of the Landmark Beach, the Mami Chula Beach Lifestyle, to give way to the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway

Umahi began the demolition after he inspected kilometre 13, 16 and 20 to ensure the most economical and viable way to access the coastal roads without much damage.

He noted that the demolition was necessary since the landmark centre was located on Federal Government’s Right-of-way.

He stressed that a number of structures would be affected by the demolition, adding that compensation would be provided.

Umahi said, “So with the utmost fear of God, gratitude to God Almighty and the commitment to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in our infrastructural development agenda in particular, I wish to flag off this demolition.

”It’s in a right-of-way within the coastal corridor which is legitimate right of way of the Federal Government.

“Before the flag off of the demolition of landmark, I graciously increased the grace period by another seven days and yet another four days and here we are because the project stopped because of lack of demolition.

“And I want to commend the likes of Bolaji, incidentally from kilometre zero to four from what I’m seeing, he is the only one that is majorly affected. That’s the only infrastructure I can see that is affected.”

The Minister, who acknowledged that some people were opposed to the project, insisted that it was necessary for economic development.

He assured those affected by the demolition that they would be adequately compensated, adding that documentation would start between May 2 and May 3.

Umahi also assured that he would be available throughout the week to address any confirmation or payment issues related to the demolition.

Recall that business mogul and owner of Landmark Beach Resort, Paul Onwuanibe, told CNN he had acquired the land in 2007 before the plans for the coastal highway were drawn up and felt a mix of emotions after receiving the demolition order, which also urged him to file compensation claims.

To safeguard its operations, the resort’s management engaged in discussions with federal and Lagos State authorities and other interest groups to propose adjusting the highway’s route.

They suggested rerouting the first 1.5 km out of the 700 km stretch to its original location along the undeveloped Water Corporation Road median.

“We believe that with careful collaboration and consultation, a small number of other minor reroutes may be required to sustain the existing socioeconomic activity along the course of this road,” the business mogul had posted on X.