Chief Sola Ebiseni, Secretary-General of the socio-political organization Afenifere, has formally requested that President Bola Tinubu realign the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. Representing the Ilaje-Yoruba people and various Ondo coastal regions, Ebiseni argues that the current plan unfairly bypasses over 100 kilometers of oil-producing coastline. He contends that the project deviates from its original goal of connecting Nigeria’s entire Atlantic edge.
Ebiseni highlights the historical importance of the Ilaje area, noting that colonial records confirm it was a key transit corridor during the British administration. He rejects claims that the terrain is too difficult to develop, pointing to the successful construction of Eko Atlantic City as evidence that coastal engineering is viable. Furthermore, he raised concerns regarding the lack of direct consultation with local stakeholders in the affected communities, noting that meetings held in Akure failed to include the voices of those living along the coast.
While acknowledging the progress made by the federal government, Ebiseni expressed frustration that the highway veers inland, apparently to accommodate an extension into Edo State. He clarified that the people of Ondo do not oppose regional development, but insisted that their coastline should not be sidelined. He proposed an alternative route that would follow the coast to Oghoye in Warri before proceeding through Delta and toward the Eastern states. Ebiseni concluded by commending the administration’s security efforts and calling for a revision that restores the project’s original vision of a true coastal lifeline.
