On Sunday, November 3, 2024, tensions escalated during a public engagement in Victoria Island when Minister of Works, David Umahi, ordered security personnel to remove a woman protesting the demolition of her property. The woman, who identified herself as a supporter of President Bola Tinubu, claimed her houses were demolished despite having the necessary certificates and authorizations from the government¹.
The incident occurred during a stakeholders’ meeting about the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project. Umahi accused the woman of mobilising protests to halt the project, an allegation she denied. “You have been doing a lot to stop the project. Listen to me, if I get further disturbances from you, there will be consequences for it. We are following the law. You are free to go to court if we are infringing on your rights,” Umahi stated.
When the woman continued to speak after the microphone was taken from her, Umahi instructed, “Security, move her out.” The woman, visibly agitated, responded, “I’m a matron in Tinubu campaign organization that has over 5,000 members.”
Umahi further explained that his properties had also been demolished for road projects in other parts of the country. “In Port Harcourt, my property was also involved in the construction of East-West Road, totally demolished. In Aba, my property was also involved,” he said, urging for cooperation and patience from affected residents.
The Lagos-Calabar Superhighway, estimated to cost about N15 trillion, is designed to connect Lagos to Cross River, passing through several states including Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom. Umahi emphasised the importance of the project, stating, “The beachside is not your land, the beachside belongs to the Federal Government.”
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project has been a subject of controversy since its inception. The project aims to enhance connectivity and boost economic activities along Nigeria’s coastline. However, it has faced opposition from property owners and environmentalists concerned about the impact on local communities and ecosystems. The federal government has maintained that the project is crucial for national development and has promised to address the concerns raised by stakeholders.
