Lagos State's Coastal Highway Project Threatens Landmark Beach Resort

Lagos, Nigeria (TAE)-In a dramatic turn of events, Paul Onwuanibe, a prominent Nigerian entrepreneur, received a notice from Lagos state authorities in late March, demanding the demolition of his multimillion-dollar Landmark Beach resort. The resort, a celebrated destination on Victoria Island, is to be razed to make way for a new 700-kilometer coastal highway stretching from Lagos to Calabar, near the Cameroon border.

The order claimed that the resort "falls within the right of way" of the planned highway, a project approved on February 27 by federal authorities, aiming to join iconic routes like Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way and the U.S. Pacific Coastal Highway. This ambitious road will feature extensive infrastructure, including five lanes on each side and a central train track, with a total investment exceeding 1.06 trillion naira ($841 million).

Onwuanibe, who relocated his investments to Africa in 2007, has invested between $80 and $90 million in the Landmark site, creating a vibrant ecosystem that includes a mini golf course, beach soccer field, and other recreational facilities. The site not only serves as a major tourist attraction, attracting about a million visitors last year, but also provides over 4,000 jobs and generates significant tax revenue.

The proposed demolition has stirred a strong reaction from Onwuanibe and other stakeholders, including foreign and local investors who are now considering withdrawing their support, fearing the impact on their investments. This situation highlights broader concerns regarding foreign direct investment in Lagos state and Nigeria’s broader economic environment, which is already grappling with challenges like high inflation and rising debt levels.

Environmental and economic concerns are also at the forefront, with experts like Lagos-based consultant Similade Adeodun calling for comprehensive environmental and social impact assessments. Adeodun suggests that the government should explore preserving the beach or consider alternative routes that would cause fewer economic and ecological disruptions.

Despite recognizing the potential benefits of the highway in connecting vital regions, Onwuanibe hopes for a reevaluation of the project that minimizes harm to local businesses and the environment. His goal is to engage in discussions that could lead to a win-win solution, balancing development with the preservation of existing economic activities. As the situation develops, the community awaits the government's decision, hoping for outcomes that consider both the economic potential of the new highway and the existing investments at Landmark Beach.