A fresh dispute has emerged over the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway after leaders from Ondo and Delta rejected its proposed inland route. Ilaje and Itsekiri leaders want the Federal Government to keep the highway along the original coastal corridor.
They said the change could undermine the project’s purpose of opening up coastal communities and boosting local business. The leaders reached the position during a joint meeting in Lagos on September 19, 2026.
Their resolution was signed by Austin Oboroegbeyi, Benson Enikuomehin, Amaechi Omagbitse and Adeolu Efotan. They opposed the reported rerouting under the supervision of Works Minister David Umahi.
The leaders argued that the move differs from the original vision of a genuine coastal highway. They also challenged the explanation that the coastal alignment would be too expensive.
According to their resolution, the coastal route would cost between N4 billion and N7.5 billion per kilometre. They claimed the proposed inland route could cost between N7.5 billion and N12 billion per kilometre. These figures represent the communities’ position and have not been independently established by the reports reviewed.
Umahi has previously given different cost figures for the highway, depending on the project section and construction design. The leaders also raised concerns about the distance involved in the proposed alignment.
They said the original coastal stretch would cover about 100 to 110 kilometres. They claimed the inland alternative could stretch between 170 and 190 kilometres.
They further argued that swampy terrain could require more bridges and additional construction work. The communities said they would continue engaging the Federal Government over the disputed route. They also plan to involve traditional leaders, youths, women, and other stakeholders.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway reroute has therefore become a major concern for communities along the proposed corridor. The Ilaje and Itsekiri leaders said they would consider legal action if their demands are not addressed.
They want the highway restored to its original coastal alignment through communities in Ondo and Delta.
