Sen. Nicholas Tofowomo, a former People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to examine the plights of Ilaje people over the alleged diversion of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway from Ilaje, in Ilaje LGA. Tofowomo made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Okitipupa. He expressed concern that more than 60 per cent of coastal communities in Ilaje LGA had been bypassed and sidelined by the Ministry of Works.
The Lagos-Calabar coastal highway spans about 700km across nine states, including Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa-Ibom, and Cross Rivers. According to Tofowomo, communities such as Ugbonla, Ilowo, Ilepete, Obe-Enikanoselu, Obe-Rewoye, Ikorigho, Jinrinwo, Awoye, and Igho fall squarely within the initial coastal route. However, the route has been rebranded as an “inland highway” upon reaching Ondo State.
Tofowomo stated that the coastal highway now diverted through Oke-Upare to link communities in Ovia North and Ovia West of Edo State to accommodate Gelegele, a community located 10 to 20 kilometers away from the coastline. He contended that Ilaje LGA has the longest coastline of over 80 to 100 kilometers and one of the highest producers of crude oil in the country. This, he said, would open up and boost the economic activities of the Ilaje LGA and create several job opportunities for Ilaje youths and residents.
The lawmaker commended Tinubu’s bold initiative to revive the coastal highway project. He urged him to examine the plights of Ilaje people and realign the highway back to its true coastal path, involving Ilaje communities. Tofowomo said that Ilaje has the longest coastline in the country with almost 80 to 100 kilometers; its coastal visibility will beautify the coastal highway.
Tofowomo, an African Democratic Congress (ADC) senatorial candidate for Ondo South in the 2027 general elections, said that the coastal highway would increase the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). He added that he is returning to the senate on the ADC platform to ensure his stalled bills are revisited.
Tofowomo, who represented Ondo South at the National Assembly from 2019 to 2023, expressed disheartedness over the diversion of the coastal highway. He said it is disheartening that the route has been diverted from its original path, which would have boosted the economy of Ilaje LGA.
Tofowomo concluded by appealing to Tinubu to take into account the plights of Ilaje people, as one of the highest producers of crude oil contributing to the IGR of the country. He urged Tinubu to realign the coastal highway back to its true path, which would have a positive impact on the lives of Ilaje residents.
Key points
- Sen. Nicholas Tofowomo appeals to President Bola Tinubu to examine plights of Ondo residents over coastal highway diversion.
- More than 60 per cent of coastal communities in Ilaje LGA have been bypassed and sidelined by the Ministry of Works.
- The diversion of the coastal highway has negatively impacted the economy and livelihoods of Ilaje residents.
