The intended Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project has become well-known to many generating diverse reactions from Nigerians. Initiated since 2005 during the Olusegun Obasanjo’s regime, on completion this project will link Lagos to Cross River, traversing through six other coastal states: Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom, before reaching its final destination in Cross River.
In April 2023, construction began on the 700 km Lagos-Calabar coastal road. This project is planned to be a dual carriageway with five lanes on each side, and a train track in the middle. It is set to become one of Nigeria’s most expensive road projects. However, the initiation of this project without a fully approved Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) would be too significant an oversight for an infrastructure development of this magnitude. It is a clear case of putting the cart before the horse.
An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a tool used to evaluate the significant effects of a project or development proposal on the environment. EIAs ensure that project decision-makers consider the potential environmental impacts as early as possible, aiming to avoid, reduce, or mitigate those effects.
At a recent stakeholder meeting where compensation for the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project was raised. Laila Johnson Salami, a correspondent from Arise News, inquired of the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, about the project’s environmental impact assessment (EIA).
Unfortunately, the Minister bluffed over the question and dismissively replied, “Sister, I was raised in the village, me I nur dey hear fo-ne (a slang for phonetics).” The journalist further asked if the minister could share the final approval for the project with the media, but he did not give a definitive answer. “Everything in order,” Umahi replied.
Great things have been said about this massive project, such as its potential to stimulate economic growth, facilitate trade, and enhance regional integration by improving connectivity and reducing travel times between key economic zones. However, little consideration has been given to the environmental impact this project will have on the environment.
Beyond the environmental potential sacrilege, I gathered first-hand information about the human and economic implication from some construction actors, residents who will be affected by the project, fishing associations and small business owners – including a young man who recently lost his livelihood due to the demolition of businesses and properties along the shoreline.
Disruption of marine ecosystem
The road project spans across diverse and sensitive ecological zones, where the impacts can range from habitat destruction and biodiversity loss to alterations in hydrological patterns and increased pollution. The project’s activities, such as land reclamation, would have a profound environmental impact, resulting in the loss of various flora and fauna. This could lead to irreversible damage to already critically threatened habitats and ecosystems. Therefore, it is crucial to consider the environmental impacts before proceeding further.
Impact on water quality
The construction and operation of the coastal road could disrupt the natural flow of water and sediment along the coast, potentially leading to changes in water quality, increased erosion, and sedimentation. Given the rapid climate change occurring worldwide and the rising sea levels threatening Lagos’ already vulnerable infrastructure, the dredging activities on the seashore to reclaim land portions risk exacerbating the city’s vulnerability to climate change and contributing to greater environmental damage.
Damage to coastal biodiversity
Furthermore, the construction activities and land refilling efforts damage fragile coastal ecosystems. There are significant concerns that coral reefs and essential fish spawning sites may be destroyed, leading to disruptions in marine food chains. These ecological disruptions underscore the importance of thoroughly assessing and mitigating the environmental impacts of the road project to protect these critical ecosystems and maintain environmental balance.
Destruction of ancestral heritage
The rerouting of the coastal highway from its original Right of Way to some residential areas of various communities is another significant issue that needs to be highlighted. Recently, the leaders of the Okun-Ajah community took action to draw the attention of stakeholders to the circumstances surrounding this change. “The rerouting of the original Right of Way will result in the demolition of over 2,000 houses, including ancestral homes and the palace of our Oba,” the community leaders emphasised.
The cultural and historical significance of the homes and communities along the shoreline should be considered. A complete disappearance of these communities would not only displace residents but also erase a vital part of their heritage. This situation underscores the need for stakeholders to carefully consider the social and cultural implications of infrastructure projects.
Impact on Fishing Communities
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project would have negative effects on Ise community in Ibeju-Lekki, Akodo Community, Orimedu Communities to mention are few along the Lagos shoreline as well as the livelihood of people in these communities who majorly are fishermen and fisherwomen and even farmers. Changes in the environment, such as pollution and the destruction of natural habitats, can affect the availability and quality of fish, which in turn can impact the livelihoods of fishermen.
Additionally, the construction of roads may disrupt traditional fishing practices and access to fishing grounds. Therefore, while coastal roads can provide benefits in terms of improved access, it is important to consider and mitigate the potential negative impacts on fishermen and their livelihoods.
In conclusion, the Lagos-Calabar coastal road project is a controversial infrastructure initiative on many fronts: the N15 trillion ($11 billion) project cost, the substantial environmental risks, including the destruction of coastal habitats, disruption of marine ecosystems, and potential negative impacts on local communities which is a matter of significant concern.
As the project moves forward, do we embrace its potential such as improved connectivity and economic national growth and look away from other impacts? Can we collectively seek the possibility for stakeholders to carefully consider all pros and cons, potential benefits and associated risks? It is crucial for environmental monitoring and mitigation measures to be put in place to minimise the project’s impact on the environment.
Ultimately, the success of the Lagos-Calabar coastal road project will depend on careful planning, implementation, and ongoing monitoring.
By Mayowa Adebote
