By Adedapo Adesanya
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has threatened to sue the Minister of Works, Mr Dave Umahi, regarding the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, which has spurred much outrage.
According to a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, SERAP charged Mr 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 Mr Umahi should disclose if a copy of the report of such an assessment, including the date and locations, were widely published.
“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,” the group said.
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 the right of way for the project estimated to cost the federal government over N15 trillion.
Following the demolition, the owner of Landmark Resort, Mr Paul Onwuanibe, accused the Nigerian government of foul play.
In response, the Minister accused Mr Onwuanibe of playing politics, stressing that Landmark has no claim over demolition being carried out by the federal government, noting that all properties being demolished were along the shoreline aimed at creating a pathway for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
The Lagos-Calabar coastal road project would cost a tentative sum of N15.356 trillion and will be completed in eight years.