After Destroying Parts of Landmark Beach and Other Facilities, FG Reroutes Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road
Following the demolition of certain sections of Landmark Beach, the Federal Government of Nigeria has declared its intention to withdraw from the planned realignment of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
During the 3rd Stakeholders Meeting in Lagos, the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, revealed that the proposed rerouting would not proceed as a result of the presence of submarine cables along the coastline. After Destroying Parts of Landmark Beach and Other Facilities, FG Reroutes Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road
Consequently, the Lagos-Calabar Highway will revert to its original route for a 9-kilometer stretch, moving away from the shoreline.
Umahi explained that three crucial infrastructure components occupy the same area. The 2Africa submarine cable, which spans 33 countries and connects roughly three billion people, intersects with the West African cable systems (WACS) that have been present in the location for 17 years.
Additionally, a significant power plant, capable of generating 50 megawatts of power to support the 2Africa and WACS cables, is situated in the vicinity.
The Minister emphasized the vital importance of the submarine cables for national security, highlighting the detrimental impact any interference could have on communication networks. Noting a recent incident in Cote d'Ivoire resulting in a blackout across parts of Africa, Umahi stressed the national significance of safeguarding these critical infrastructures.
In light of these concerns, Umahi called for the original gazetted route to be reinstated, taking into account the irreplaceable role played by the existing telecommunications infrastructure.
Acknowledging the federal government's efforts in infrastructure development, Umahi urged for sensitivity towards the necessity of preserving national assets such as the submarine cables.
As a compromise to address various concerns, Umahi announced the decision to entirely shift away from the new alignment and reconnect with the old alignment at kilometer 25.
Furthermore, Umahi stated that the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) documentation would not be disclosed at this time, citing Section 15 (b) of the Freedom of Information Act, which allows government institutions to withhold specific information related to third parties.