Dear President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Minister of Works, David Umahi, and Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal,

As Nigeria charts a new trajectory toward becoming an economic powerhouse in Africa, critical infrastructure projects like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway represent a beacon of hope and progress. This 700-kilometre standard highway, now advancing simultaneously across several states of the federation, including Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River, embodies the vision of a connected and unified nation. This lofty and ambitious project has the potential to transform our coastal regions into hubs of commerce, tourism, and innovation, much like major infrastructural developments seen in nations such as Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates.

The true beauty of this project lies in its vast potential to boost economic growth by facilitating faster trade, reducing transportation costs, and creating thousands of jobs both during construction and long after completion. Imagine seamless travel along our stunning Atlantic coastline, unlocking opportunities for ecotourism, aquaculture, and blue economy initiatives capable of generating billions in revenue while showcasing Nigeria’s natural splendour to the world.

Beyond the economic benefits, enhanced connectivity will not only bridge urban centers but also empower rural communities, fostering inclusive development and attracting diaspora investments that strengthen our global ties. Indeed, this highway is far more than asphalt and concrete; it is a symbol of national unity, visionary leadership, and Nigeria’s unstoppable march toward progress under the present administration.

However, as stewards of our nation’s resources, we must confront the sobering realities that come with such grand endeavours. The highway’s proposed route through ecologically sensitive coastal ecosystems, including mangroves, wetlands, barrier islands, and biodiversity hotspots in the Niger Delta, raises significant environmental concerns that could undermine the very progress we seek to achieve.

Ongoing construction activities such as dredging, land reclamation, and earthworks are already contributing to the degradation of natural habitats, resulting in loss of species, the spread of invasive species, and a troubling increase in roadkill involving fish, birds, reptiles, and mammals.

Research shows that coastal erosion is already prevalent at rates up to 8 meters per year in states like Lagos and may speed up due to altered sediment dynamics and vulnerability to sea-level rise, leading to saltwater intrusion, subsidence, and heightened flooding risks. Runoff, sediments, heavy metals, and hydrocarbons pollute coastal water, thereby threatening aquatic life, fisheries, and community water sources, with potential for eutrophication and toxicity in lagoons and estuaries.

Also, air and noise pollution during construction exceed standards, impacting human and animal health, while long-term traffic could worsen greenhouse gas emissions and urban heat islands without proper offsets. These impacts not only jeopardise our rich biodiversity but also affect vulnerable communities, potentially displacing livelihoods and deepening social tensions amid ongoing land disputes.

This project can still be a model of sustainable development if we prioritise mitigation strategies grounded in global best practices and supported by rigorous environmental oversight. Foremost, it is essential to enforce comprehensive Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs) across all project sections, ensuring full compliance before further advancement, in line with Lagos State regulations and federal environmental guidelines.

Additionally, the creation of wildlife corridors, mangrove restoration programmes, and artificial reefs will help restore habitats and preserve ecological connectivity. To protect the coastline, authorities should implement soil-stabilisation measures, such as ocean-wave barriers, improved drainage systems, and bioengineering techniques, to stabilise shorelines and mitigate the effects of sea-level rise.

The contractors handling the project should be encouraged to use low-emission machinery, dust-suppression measures, and noise barriers to significantly reduce environmental pollution. Regular monitoring of air, water, and soil quality should also be mandated to ensure adherence to environmental standards. Furthermore, transparent stakeholder engagement involving local communities, environmental NGOs, and diaspora groups is vital for building trust, addressing genuine concerns, and fostering a shared sense of ownership of this project.

In conclusion, the federal government must integrate sustainable funding and long-term maintenance plans that prioritise green infrastructure, such as cool pavements and the integration of renewable energy along the route.

Your Excellencies, let me remind you that Nigeria’s legacy depends on balancing ambition with responsibility. By heeding this call to duty, you can ensure the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway becomes a triumph of progress that preserves our environment for future generations to come. Let us build not just a road, but a sustainable future.

By Surajdeen Alabede, a Nigerian Canadian environmental professional, environmental protection and sustainability advocate and Co-Founder of Environmental and Green Initiative for Sustainability (EGIS)