Ilaje and Itsekiri leaders reject revised Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway route

Leaders of the Ilaje ethnic nationality in Ondo State and the Itsekiri people of Delta State have rejected a revised route for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. In a joint resolution reached in Lagos on September 19, 2026, the groups urged the Federal Government to maintain the original alignment through coastal communities.

The stakeholders disputed the rerouting initiated by the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, which moves the highway to non-coastal areas. They argued that the revised route is less efficient, claiming it would be longer and more expensive. According to the resolution, construction along the coastal route would cost between ₦4 billion and ₦7.5 billion per kilometre, whereas the alternative route could cost between ₦7.5 billion and ₦12 billion per kilometre.

Additionally, the leaders noted that the proposed alternative route would cover between 170 and 190 kilometres, compared to the 100 to 110 kilometres of the original coastal axis. They also expressed concerns that the new alignment would pass through swampy terrain requiring extensive bridge construction.