The Federal Government has commenced the demolition of shanties and structures infringing on the right of way for the proposed Lagos-Calabar coastal highway, signaling the end of the beach facility of popular Landmark Resort.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, oversaw the demolition exercise on Saturday, stating that the clearance was necessary to pave the way for the construction of the crucial infrastructure project aimed at enhancing transportation and connectivity along Nigeria’s coastal region.
“Landmark Beach Resort has unfortunately made so much noise about this,” Umahi said.
”I have revisited the place, and I can say none of his infrastructure is affected. Just the shanties are affected and they are bulldozed already. We are passing our coastal bridge within the right of way of the federal government.”
“I have directed that the beach should be shut down for tomorrow and there is no beach. The place is owned by people who are sand filling it, and at the end of the day, there is no more beach.
“Those who are playing politics with it can go ahead. My job is simple: to pass the coastal road. It’s in a right-of-way within the coastal corridor which is the legitimate right-of-way of the federal government.”
Umahi assured those affected by the demolition with documentation set to commence on May 2-3.
Bolaji Ariyo, CEO of the nearby Mami Chula Beach, expressed support for the project’s vision, acknowledging the potential benefits it could bring to millions of Nigerians.
“I understand when a government is promising to make life easy for all Nigerians. Some of us are affected, no doubt about it, but those affected are not up to 0.1% of the millions that will enjoy the coastal road,” Ariyo remarked.
“That’s why people like me have taken it to heart to also support Mr President and the honourable minister to ensure that this road comes to life.”
