Employees of the Landmark Beach Resort in Lagos initiated a protest as the federal government commenced sand-filling the beachfront to construct the coastal highway. Demonstrators displayed placards with slogans like '#SaveLandmarkBeachResort' and 'Save Our Jobs', voicing their dissent with chants. The proposed 700-kilometer Lagos-Calabar coastal highway, incorporating a railway, spans nine states.
Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, assured that the project wouldn't affect Landmark facilities, mentioning a reduced corridor to 50 meters with minimal impact on the shoreline. However, Landmark CEO, Paul Onwuanibe, contested this, stating that the original plan excluded the beachfront. He emphasized the need to revert to the initial alignment to save their business and government expenses.
Onwuanibe noted the highway as a tourism booster if aligned correctly, asserting ongoing discussions with state and federal authorities. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar criticized President Bola Tinubu, accusing him of prioritizing personal business over national interests. Abubakar warned of significant job losses and a $200 million investment loss due to the project.
The clash between developmental goals and economic impact underscores the complexity of infrastructural projects in Nigeria. While the government aims for progress, concerns over job security and business continuity surface, fueling stakeholder tensions. As discussions continue, balancing economic growth with social responsibility remains paramount for sustainable development
