Lagos-Calabar Coastal Project: SERAP Threatens Nigerian Govt, Makes Demand From Umahi

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP has issued a legal threat against the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, regarding the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project.

SERAP charged Umahi to disclose if the federal government carried out an environmental and social impact assessment on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project.

The body said Umahi should disclose if a copy of the report of such an assessment including the date and locations was widely published.

Post on X, SERAP wrote: “BREAKING: We’re issuing a freedom of information request against Senator David Umahi to immediately disclose if any environmental and social impact assessment was carried out on the Lagos – Calabar Coastal Highway Project, and to widely publish a copy of the report of any such assessment including the date and locations of the assessment. We’ll see in court if the information is not immediately provided.”

Recall that the 700-kilometre coastal highway has been enmeshed in controversy following the demolition of Landmark Beach Resort, valued at $200 million, to create right of way for the project which is estimated to cost the federal government N15 trillion.

Following the demolition, the owner of Landmark Resort, Paul Onwuanibe had accused the Nigerian Government of foul play.

However, Umahi accused Onwuanibe of playing politics, stressing that Landmark has no claim over demolition being carried out by the Federal Government.

Umahi said the properties being demolished were along the shoreline aimed at creating a pathway for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.