The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project faced a critical juncture when the planned route threatened to disrupt crucial submarine cables and displace thousands of residents in the Okun Ajah community. Works Minister David Umahi revealed that the original alignment of the highway, from kilometers 16 to 25, would have necessitated the demolition of approximately 7,500 houses and, crucially, would have damaged the vital submarine cables that serve as Nigeria’s digital lifeline. Recognizing the immense economic and social ramifications of such an outcome, a decision was made to reroute the highway, sparing both the cables and the community. This decision underscores a commitment to balancing infrastructure development with the preservation of existing vital infrastructure and minimizing displacement of communities.
The importance of the submarine cables cannot be overstated. As Ikechukwu Nnamani, CEO of Digital Realty, explained, these cables are the entry point for all of Nigeria’s international internet connectivity. Eight such cables converge along the original planned route of the highway, including a major cable primarily owned by Meta, in partnership with MTN and other major players. This cable, along with a 50-megawatt independent power project designed to serve the locality and beyond, was directly in the path of the original highway alignment. The minister’s decision to reroute the highway not only saved these critical pieces of infrastructure but also averted significant disruption to Nigeria’s digital ecosystem and power supply in the region. Nnamani commended the minister for his responsiveness and willingness to listen to the concerns of stakeholders, resulting in a solution that avoided significant financial and logistical challenges.
The initial plan, focusing on cost-effectiveness, prioritized a route that would have impacted a smaller number of houses, approximately 490. However, this route would have come at the expense of the submarine cables and the associated digital infrastructure. The decision to revert to the original, albeit more disruptive, alignment reflects a shift in priorities, emphasizing the national importance of maintaining digital connectivity and the power supply. While acknowledging the unfortunate necessity of demolishing houses along the original route, Minister Umahi framed the decision as an act of balancing competing interests. He emphasized the importance of the submarine cables for Nigeria’s digital economy and overall development, justifying the decision to prioritize their protection, even at the cost of increased resettlement needs.
The decision to prioritize the submarine cables and the Okun Ajah community was attributed to the intervention of President Bola Tinubu. This highlights the highest levels of government’s recognition of the importance of digital connectivity and the need to balance infrastructure development with community well-being. The revised plan still necessitates the demolition of a significant number of houses, approximately 700, a considerable reduction from the initial estimate of 1,500 associated with the first proposed reroute. This adjusted figure, according to Lagos State Controller of Works, Olukorede Kesha, represents the “most economical route” while avoiding the cables and achieving a balance between project requirements and minimizing community displacement. The reduction in the number of affected houses, while still substantial, reflects a commitment to mitigating the impact on the community.
The case of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway highlights the complexities of infrastructure development in densely populated areas with existing critical infrastructure. It underscores the importance of comprehensive stakeholder engagement, considering not only immediate cost implications but also long-term economic and social consequences. The initial prioritization of a less disruptive route, impacting fewer homes, was ultimately superseded by the recognition of the paramount importance of the submarine cables and the power project. This shift in approach underscores the need for flexible planning processes that can adapt to emerging information and changing priorities.
The decision to reroute the highway, while incurring the unfortunate cost of demolishing houses, ultimately serves the greater national interest by preserving crucial digital infrastructure. It also highlights a commitment to community engagement and a willingness to adapt plans in response to stakeholder concerns. The reduction in the number of houses slated for demolition from the initial estimate, while still a significant undertaking, reflects a concerted effort to minimize displacement and address community concerns. This episode underscores the vital role of continuous assessment and adaptation in infrastructure projects to ensure that they effectively serve the intended purpose while minimizing negative impacts on communities and existing vital services.
