# Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway route dispute

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/lagos-calabar-coastal-highway-route-dispute
> Updated: 2026-10-10T14:37:02.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

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, the groups urged the Federal Government to maintain the original alignment through coastal communities, arguing that the rerouting initiated by Minister of Works Senator David Umahi is less efficient. They claim the alternative route would be longer, more expensive, and pass through swampy terrain requiring extensive bridge construction.

Following this, the Ilaje Omuro Community Connect (IOCC) has formally challenged the Nigerian Federal Government regarding the reported diversion. The organization is demanding transparency from President Bola Tinubu and Minister Umahi, specifically requesting the publication of feasibility studies, geotechnical assessments, and environmental impact assessments. The IOCC disputes claims that the Ilaje terrain is an obstacle to construction, citing previous successful road projects in the area and arguing that the decision affects economic inclusion and the equitable distribution of national development benefits.

Represented by lawyer Babatunde Omobone, the IOCC has escalated its demands, calling for an independent engineering assessment and an audit of the financial implications of the route change. In response, Minister David Umahi stated that the decision to align the highway with the existing East-West Road was intended to address climate change. Umahi explained that upgrading the existing route, which includes raising sections by two metres to mitigate flooding, provides a more sustainable and resilient transport solution. Meanwhile, residents of Igbokoda have highlighted severe local infrastructure deficits, including prolonged electricity outages and a lack of potable water.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-10: Ondo coastal communities demand probe into Lagos-Calabar highway route change

Ondo State's Ilaje communities are demanding a probe into the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway route diversion, while the Minister of Works cites climate change resilience as the reason for the change.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ilaje-community-challenges-lagos-calabar-highway-route-diversion

### 2026-09-18: Ilaje and Itsekiri leaders reject revised Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway route

Ilaje and Itsekiri leaders have rejected the revised Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway route, demanding the original coastal alignment to avoid higher costs and longer distances.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ilaje-and-itsekiri-leaders-reject-revised-lagos-calabar-coastal-highway-route

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Cite as: Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway route dispute. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/lagos-calabar-coastal-highway-route-dispute