PANDEF urges federal government to restore original Lagos‑Calabar coastal highway plan

PANDEF demands reversal of highway diversion The National Youth Wing of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) publicly called for the immediate cancellation of the announced rerouting of the Lagos‑Calabar Coastal Highway. Speaking at a press briefing in Benin City, the group said the diversion undermines the project's original purpose and excludes coastal communities that have long contributed to Nigeria’s oil revenue.

Government’s rationale for the inland route The federal government, represented by the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, explained that the change was driven by engineering challenges. According to the minister, difficult terrain, deep pits and higher construction costs in sections of Ogun and Ondo states made the coastal alignment impractical. The revised plan would link the highway to the existing East‑West Road, passing through Ondo into Edo State, rather than following the littoral corridor.

PANDEF’s criticism and concerns PANDEF argued that the cited engineering and cost issues should not justify abandoning the coastal route. The organisation highlighted that the affected littoral oil‑bearing communities have endured decades of environmental pollution, gas flaring and underdevelopment linked to oil extraction. By diverting the highway inland, PANDEF said the government risks deepening feelings of exclusion among these communities, which were originally promised improved connectivity through the project.

Significance of the Lagos‑Calabar Coastal Highway The Lagos‑Calabar Coastal Highway, a 750‑kilometre project, was promoted as a transformative infrastructure corridor linking Lagos with the Niger Delta and Calabar. Proponents view the highway as a means to stimulate economic activity, reduce travel times and provide much‑needed access for regions that have historically been marginalised. The original coastal alignment was expected to pass directly through communities that host major oil production facilities, thereby offering them direct benefits from the new road network.

Calls for consultation and next steps PANDEF’s youth leader urged the federal government to engage in transparent consultations with host communities, state governments and other regional stakeholders. The group demanded a public confirmation that all littoral oil‑producing areas would be served by an appropriate coastal route. While the minister reiterated that the overall project remains active and that surveys continue in other sections, PANDEF maintained that the diversion represents a fundamental breach of the project's intent.

The dispute underscores the tension between infrastructural planning and the expectations of communities that stand to gain from such developments, especially in Nigeria’s oil‑rich Niger Delta region.