Leaders of the Ilaje and Itsekiri ethnic nationalities have opposed the proposed rerouting of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway from coastal communities to inland areas. In a joint meeting held in Lagos on September 17, 2026, they urged the Federal Government to maintain the original coastal alignment. The stakeholders, representing Ilaje communities in Ondo State and Itsekiri communities in Delta State, expressed concerns about the implications of the proposed route changes on their communities.
The Ilaje and Itsekiri leaders signed a resolution calling on the Federal Government to preserve the original coastal route. They disputed the explanation provided by Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, regarding the reason for the proposed rerouting, describing it as "blatant falsehood." According to them, constructing a kilometre of road along the coastal route would cost between N4 billion and N7.5 billion, while the proposed diversion through the hinterland would cost between N7.5 billion and N12 billion per kilometre.
The stakeholders argued that the proposed inland route would substantially increase the distance of the highway. They claimed that the distance from Olosunmeta to the Itsekiri Axis in Delta State would be between 100-110 kilometres, while Umahi's new route would take 170-190 kilometres, significantly increasing the length and cost of the road. They also contended that the proposed inland route presented difficult terrain and would require several bridges, unlike the route through the coastal communities.
The proposed coastal corridor would run from Olosunmeta through Araromi, Abe-Oroyo, Ogogoro, Ugbonla, Apata, Awoye, Ugbege, Oghoye, Orere, Agogboro, and Ode-Ugborodo, among other communities, through the coastline of Delta State. The Ilaje and Itsekiri leaders agreed to establish a tactical committee to engage the Federal Government and appeal for the preservation of the coastal highway's original route.
The tactical committee would comprise representatives of both ethnic nationalities and would be responsible for sensitising and mobilising traditional institutions, youths, women, professionals, and other stakeholders to support their position. The stakeholders also resolved to pursue legal action, if necessary, to ensure that justice, equity, and fairness prevail.
The Ilaje and Itsekiri leaders agreed to prepare an inclusive memorandum involving traditional institutions, religious leaders, market women, opinion leaders, and other stakeholders across the Niger Delta communities. The memorandum would be presented to relevant authorities and institutions to state the reasons the Lagos-Calabar Highway should remain on the coastal corridor through Ondo and Delta states.
An implementation committee would be established to oversee the mobilisation and coordination of the decisions reached by the two ethnic nationalities. The committee would ensure that the stakeholders' demands are presented to the Federal Government and that their concerns are addressed.
Key points
- Ilaje and Itsekiri leaders reject proposed changes to Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway route.
- Stakeholders cite increased cost and distance as reasons for opposition.
- Tactical committee to be established to engage Federal Government.
