The Federal Government has announced an additional 15-metre setback along sections of the ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, a move expected to facilitate the construction of drainage systems and service lanes but which has heightened concerns among property owners, developers and investors along the project corridor.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, disclosed the development during an inspection of the highway project, saying the design adjustment is necessary to improve road safety, traffic flow and environmental sustainability.
Umahi explained that the additional setback will create room for dedicated service lanes that will allow motorists to safely exit the expressway into adjoining communities. He added that expanded drainage infrastructure is also required to improve stormwater management and reduce the risk of flooding along the coastal route.
The announcement has, however, sparked fresh anxiety within the real estate sector, with stakeholders warning that the expanded right-of-way could lead to the demolition of more properties than initially anticipated.
Industry estimates indicate that while about 700 structures were previously identified within the original alignment of the project, the new 15-metre setback could place more than 1,700 additional buildings at risk, potentially affecting thousands of households if implemented.
Property experts also say the adjustment could significantly impact commercial developments along the corridor by reducing road frontage, parking space and approved building layouts, factors that could affect rental income and future property values.
Despite the concerns, the Federal Government has assured affected property owners that compensation will be paid to those with legally recognised titles in line with applicable federal laws.
The Ministry of Works said a compensation verification committee is currently reviewing land claims and property documentation. Once verification is completed, approved compensation payments will be processed through the project’s contractor, Hitech Construction Company Limited.
The government, however, reiterated that only owners with valid and verifiable land titles would qualify for compensation.
It also restated that, under existing federal law, the 250-metre shoreline corridor remains the property of the Federal Government. Consequently, structures built within that zone without appropriate federal approval may be removed without compensation unless otherwise approved by the President.
President Bola Tinubu has also urged state governments to work closely with the Office of the Surveyor General of the Federation in approving developments along the coastal corridor, warning that planning approvals granted on designated road setbacks or reclaimed land that conflict with the highway project could be revoked.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is one of the Federal Government’s flagship infrastructure projects aimed at improving connectivity along Nigeria’s coastline. However, its implementation has continued to generate debate over property acquisition, compensation and the project’s impact on communities and businesses located along its route.