…Says ongoing Lagos-Calabar road project distorting devt plans in Ibeju-Lekki, Ode-Omi
By Sodiq Adelakun
The Lagos State Government has announced an immediate suspension of all planning approvals within the corridor of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road, citing significant disruptions to the state’s existing and emerging urban development plans.
This was made known on Monday in a statement by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Oluyinka Olumide, who said the decision was taken to prevent further distortions to the Ode-Omi Action Area Plan, the Ibeju-Lekki Model City Plan, and the broader Lekki Comprehensive Master Plan.
These plans, according to the commissioner, are either recently completed or undergoing review.
Dr Olumide noted that while the coastal highway is expected to offer long-term inter-state benefits, it has already begun to affect the physical structure and development intentions of the areas it traverses.
“As a result of the effects of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road on our development plans, it is germane to review the situation on ground and align it with the Development Plans to forestall any further distortion now or in the nearest future,” the statement read in part.
The commissioner added that the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) has been instructed to enforce the suspension with immediate effect and until further notice.
He reiterated the state government’s commitment to achieving a well-organised, liveable, inclusive, and sustainable built environment. While recognising the value of the coastal highway project, he emphasised that such infrastructure must be harmonised with the state’s planning frameworks rather than disrupt them.
Dr Olumide assured residents and stakeholders that the suspension would remain in place until a thorough review is completed and proper alignment between the road project and the state’s development strategy is achieved.