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The Ijaw Youth Council, IYC, Worldwide has rejected the plans to alter the original route of the 750-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and retain the initial design.
IYC President, Dr. Doubra Okotete stated this while briefing journalists at the council’s national secretariat in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
Okotete warned that diverting the highway to the East-West Road from Ondo State would exclude Edo, Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers States from the original coastal alignment, thereby depriving the core Niger Delta of direct benefits of the landmark project.
Retain Original Design Approved By FEC — IYC Tells FG
The IYC president described statements attributed to the Minister of Works on the proposed diversion as unfortunate, insisting that the Federal Government should retain the design initially approved by the Federal Executive Council, FEC.
He argued that the Niger Delta, which contributes significantly to Nigeria’s oil and gas resources, should not be marginalized in major infrastructure projects of national importance.
“The Niger Delta is the economic backbone of this country. It would be unjust to exclude Edo, Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers from the coastal highway alignment that was originally conceived to connect all coastal states,” Okotete said.
Difficult Terrain Not An Excuse — IYC
He also dismissed concerns about difficult terrain and high construction costs as reasons for possible diversion.
According to him, ongoing road projects by the Bayelsa, Rivers and Delta State Governments in swampy and riverine areas have proven that construction in difficult terrain is achievable.
He cited efforts by coastal states to connect coastal communities through bridges and roads across swamps as evidence of feasibility.
IYC Challenges Donald Duke, Invites Him On Project Tour Of Bayelsa
The IYC president further challenged former Cross River State Governor, Donald Duke, who reportedly questioned the feasibility of extending the coastal highway through the region because of geographical challenges.
Okotete said the council had invited Duke on an all-expenses-paid tour of Bayelsa State to inspect projects such as the 21-kilometre Nembe-Brass Road, which includes more than 15 bridges across swampy terrain, and the Yenagoa-Oporoma-Ukubie Road project.
“We invite former Governor Donald Duke to come and see for himself that what he described as impossible is already being done by state governments in the Niger Delta. The terrain is not an excuse,” Okotete stated.
The IYC called on President Tinubu to ensure fairness and inclusivity in the execution of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, stressing that the original coastal route must be maintained in the interest of equity and national cohesion.
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