By Our Reporter
The Ilaje Omuro Community Connect (IOCC) has called on the Federal Government to explain the alleged diversion of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway from its proposed route through the Ilaje coastline in Ondo State, demanding transparency, accountability and the publication of technical documents justifying the decision.
The community-based organisation, which says it has more than 1,000 members of Ilaje extraction, expressed concern over explanations reportedly given by the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, regarding the alteration of the proposed route.
In a statement titled “The Alleged Misrepresentation and Suspected Irregularities Surrounding the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway Diversion,” the organisation said the issue went beyond road construction to encompass fairness, economic inclusion, environmental protection and the right of the Ilaje people to benefit equitably from major national infrastructure projects.
IOCC argued that the reported exclusion or alteration of the Ilaje coastal route raised questions that required clear answers, independent scrutiny and public accountability.
The organisation specifically challenged Umahi to explain why the terrain of Ilaje Local Government Area was being presented as a major obstacle to the highway project when road construction had previously been undertaken in the same geographical environment.
It cited the road project from Igbokoda to Ugbonla, reportedly undertaken by the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), as an example of previous infrastructure development within the coastal terrain.
The group also referred to a road construction contract reportedly awarded by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in 2010 for the Ugbonla–Awoye axis.
According to IOCC, these interventions raise legitimate questions about the technical feasibility of constructing the coastal highway through the Ilaje area.
“If roads can be constructed within the Ilaje coastal environment, what specific engineering, geological, environmental, or financial considerations make the proposed coastal highway route impracticable?” the organisation asked.
It maintained that the Ilaje people deserved explanations backed by verifiable technical evidence rather than statements that could fuel speculation and public distrust.
The organisation consequently called for the publication of the feasibility studies, geotechnical assessments, environmental impact assessments, comparative cost estimates and other technical documents used in determining the highway’s final route.
Group urges Tinubu to intervene
IOCC also appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that the objectives of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway were not undermined by decisions that could disadvantage particular communities or states.
Describing the highway as a major national infrastructure project designed to improve connectivity, stimulate economic growth and strengthen transportation links across Nigeria’s coastal corridor, the group said concerns over the Ilaje route deserved urgent attention.
It argued that no public official, regardless of position or proximity to the President, should be beyond scrutiny over decisions involving public infrastructure, expenditure and national development.
The organisation urged the Federal Government to provide a comprehensive explanation if the original route through Ilaje had been altered, including whether the decision was based on legitimate engineering considerations or other factors.
It said transparency was necessary to establish public confidence in the project and ensure that affected communities were not unfairly excluded from its anticipated economic benefits.
IOCC’s intervention adds to the concerns surrounding the proposed routing of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway through the coastal communities of Ondo State.
The organisation’s demands centre on the need for the Federal Government to explain the basis for the reported route change, provide the technical evidence supporting its decision and demonstrate that the interests of the Ilaje people were fairly considered in the planning of the project.