In a significant reversal, the Federal Government of Nigeria has announced its decision to abandon the proposed realignment of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway due to the presence of submarine cables along the coastline. The announcement was made at the 3rd Stakeholders Meeting in Lagos, where the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, confirmed that the proposed diversion would no longer occur, citing potential risks to the country's internet connectivity and telecommunication infrastructure.
Umahi revealed that the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the project would not be available for now, invoking Section 15 (b) of the Freedom of Information Act to justify withholding certain information from the press and public. The cited section allows government institutions to deny access to third-party information.
The decision to halt the realignment plans comes after telecommunication companies warned the government of the possibility of network outages in the country if the diversion were to proceed. The proposed realignment route would have affected the submarine cables that are crucial for maintaining internet connectivity and global data transmission.
In a video shared by journalist Laila Johnson-Salami, members of the Okun-Ajah community, which would have been impacted by the realignment, were seen praising the Tinubu-led administration for its decision to abandon the plan. The proposed route had previously led to the demolition of ancestral homes in the community and several private businesses, including the landmark beach resort.
The Federal Government's decision has sparked a range of reactions from Nigerians across various platforms. While some applauded the move as a necessary step to protect critical telecommunications infrastructure, others criticized the government for failing to conduct proper assessments and feasibility studies before embarking on the demolition of private properties.
Critics argue that the government's actions have already caused significant harm to businesses and individuals, raising questions about accountability and the decision-making processes involved in large-scale infrastructure projects.
As the debate continues, the Federal Government is now tasked with exploring alternative routes and strategies for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, while ensuring minimal disruption to local communities and the country's vital telecommunications networks.
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**News Report:**
**Title: Federal Government Halts Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Realignment Plan**
In a significant development, the Federal Government of Nigeria has decided to abandon the proposed realignment of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. The decision was announced during the 3rd Stakeholders Meeting in Lagos by the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, who cited the presence of submarine cables along the coastline as a potential threat to the country's internet connectivity and telecommunication infrastructure.
Umahi disclosed that the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the project would not be released at this time, invoking Section 15 (b) of the Freedom of Information Act to withhold certain information from the public and press. This move comes amidst concerns raised by telecommunication companies about possible network outages if the realignment were to proceed, as the proposed route would interfere with critical submarine cables.
Community members of Okun-Ajah, which would have been directly affected by the realignment, expressed relief at the government's decision, praising the administration for its responsiveness to their concerns. The proposed route had previously led to the demolition of ancestral homes and businesses, including a prominent beach resort.
The government's decision has ignited mixed reactions among Nigerians, with some commending it as a necessary safeguard for telecommunications infrastructure, while others criticize the lack of thorough assessments prior to property demolitions.
As discussions unfold, the Federal Government faces the challenge of devising alternative routes for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, aiming to minimize disruption to local communities and safeguard the nation's vital telecommunications networks.
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