In a bid to reduce Nigeria’s housing shortfall, the Federal Government has unveiled plans to construct 250 housing units in Calabar, Cross River State, under the Renewed Hope Housing Scheme.

The project, which features a mix of one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom expandable apartments, will be built in two phases of 125 units each, with a six-month completion target for each phase.

Flexible Housing for Civil Servants

Speaking during a visit to the Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi-Otu V, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa (represented by Alfa Simeon, the state’s Federal Controller of Housing), explained that the housing design allows for future expansion.

“A one-bedroom unit can be expanded into two, and two into three. This makes it easier for civil servants to buy what they can afford now and upgrade later as their income improves,” Simeon said.

Community-Backed Development with Full Infrastructure

The scheme is being facilitated by Asukwo Ekpenyong and supported by the Obong’s community, which provided 25 hectares of land. According to Francis Ekpenyong, who leads the Renewed Hope Housing team, the estate will include:

• Internal roads

• Water supply

• Electricity

• A police post for security

Eight contractors are involved four for building construction and four for infrastructure. Ekpenyong also noted that Calabar is one of 12 states where the project is currently underway.

“We thank the Cross River South senator whose efforts helped bring this to life,” Ekpenyong added.

Boost for Local Jobs and Economy

One of the contractors, Michael Afolabi, revealed the project would generate over 1,000 direct and indirect jobs, offering local youth and artisans meaningful work during the construction period.

“This initiative from the President is timely. It’s not just about buildings it’s about empowering communities and creating opportunities,” Afolabi said.

Traditional Ruler Weighs In

The Obong of Calabar welcomed the development but advised officials and contractors to maintain transparency and carry the host community along throughout the process. He also urged the government to ensure the project is completed on time and to a high standard.

With construction set to accelerate, this housing scheme is not only expected to reduce accommodation pressure in Calabar but also serve as a model for affordable, flexible housing backed by meaningful local engagement.

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In a statement titled, “Text of a Press Conference by Property Owners and Residents of Lafiaji Community, Eti Osa Local Government Area, Lagos State on the Disruption Caused by the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Construction,” the community accused the Minister of Works, David Umahi, of altering the original Right of Way to protect the interests of prominent politicians.

The property owners emphasized that they had followed due process in acquiring their land and constructing their properties, ensuring they did not encroach on the established Right of Way for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. Despite this, they have been issued demolition notices because they claim it is an arbitrary deviation from the long-established road alignment.

The statement highlighted, “In acquiring our plots of land and developing our homes, we obtained all necessary consents from the Lagos State Government, followed the approved Ojomu Family Layout Plan, and secured building approvals and development permits from relevant agencies.”

READ ALSO: Displaced Victims of NNPCL Demolition in Kwara State Seek Compensation

However, the community alleged that some individuals had built on the Right of Way without valid legal titles, relying on fabricated documents facilitated by corrupt officials. The recent visit of the Minister of Works to the affected communities, where he allegedly directed a fresh survey to establish a new alignment, has further fueled their concerns.

The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, which aims to connect Lagos to Cross River through several coastal states, has been a subject of public scrutiny and controversy since its construction began in March. The highway is seen as crucial for enhancing connectivity and boosting economic activities along Nigeria’s coastal region, but it has faced criticism over the handling of compensations and the procurement process.

The Lafiaji community expressed their frustration, noting that they had written protest letters to President Bola Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, among other public officials, seeking intervention. Despite these efforts, officials from the Federal Ministry of Works resumed marking buildings in the community for demolition, indicating that the new alignment was still in place.

READ ALSO: Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Project Launched, Aims to Benefit 30 Million Nigerians

The community’s investigation revealed that the Minister of Works had allegedly disregarded a directive from President Tinubu to revert to the original Right of Way. They claim the minister altered the highway’s alignment to avoid demolishing properties in estates with strong political connections, shifting the route through their land instead.

Faced with the prospect of losing their homes, the community members are now prepared to take legal action. Their legal representative, Jiti Ogunye, acknowledged the challenges of navigating the congested court system but vowed to pursue justice.

As the legal battle looms, the Federal Government continues to move forward with the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, recently announcing a 21-day public display of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment report. This assessment is intended to ensure the project complies with international standards and Nigerian regulations, considering its potential environmental and social impacts.

The Lafiaji community remains steadfast in their demand for the government to revert to the original Right of Way and halt what they describe as an abuse of power by the Minister of Works.

The post Lagos-Calabar Highway Demolition: 100 Landowners Unite for New Legal Battle appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

This decision came after the House resolved to set up an ad-hoc committee to investigate the project and submit a report within four weeks.

The resolution was reached following the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved during plenary by Mr. Austin Achado, the member representing Gwer East/Gwer West Federal Constituency, Benue State.

READ ALSO: Lagos Residents Protest Demolition Plans for Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road Project

The House also resolved to summon the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN; the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun; and the Minister of Works, David Umahi, to shed more light on the project.

The Ministry of Works defended the project, stating that it followed due process and had received support from members of the House of Representatives. The coastal highway project, spanning 700 kilometers, is designed to connect Lagos to Cross River, passing through several states before culminating in Calabar.

The project has attracted both commendation and condemnation since its approval in February. It was initially estimated to cost $12 billion under the administration of Goodluck Jonathan and $11.1 billion under Muhammadu Buhari, before being expanded to a 10-lane highway.

READ ALSO: Property Owners Along Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road Seek Talks with FG

Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, disclosed that the construction of the coastal road was expected to span eight years and cost N4 billion per kilometer. So far, the Federal Executive Council has approved and released N1.06 trillion for the pilot phase of the construction.

Despite the support for the project, concerns have been raised about the procurement process and the demolition of structures along the right of way. The House of Representatives has vowed to investigate these issues thoroughly to ensure transparency and accountability in the project’s execution.

The post House of Representatives to Investigate N15 Trillion Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Project appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Our source obtained information about the sand filling at the popular beach resort through a video posted on Landmark Africa’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Wednesday.

The video shows earthmoving equipment filling parts of the beach.  According to the video tweet posted around 9:30 am on Wednesday, the beachfront and the Hard Rock Café section of the resort have almost been completely sand-filled.

• “Landmark Beach sand filling happening live this morning 17/04/2024. Beach front, Hard Rock Cafe/Breeze almost gone!,” the post on Landmark Africa X account read.

READ ALSO: Landmark Beach in talks with FG, LASG to modify Lagos-Calabar Highway route to protect business operations

What you should know

• Landmark Beach Resort is one of several business establishments in Oniru that received a demolition notice from the Lagos State Government because parts of the resort encroached on the right of way of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
• In an effort to protect its business operations, the resort’s management initiated negotiations with both the federal and Lagos State governments to adjust the highway’s route, proposing that it be redirected along the undeveloped median of Water Corporation Road to avoid disrupting the resort’s business.
• However, the Minister of Works, in an interview last Thursday on Channels Television, explained that the redesign of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway’s original route, which initially included Water Corporation Road but now incorporates the coastal path affecting establishments like Landmark Beach Resort, is necessary to avoid demolishing extensive infrastructure that is along the initially designed right of ways from many years ago.
• Umahi stated that the property owners asked to relocate due to the reclamation of the right of way for the coastal highway project were informed about the alignment of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal road as far back as seven months ago.
• The Works Minister also revealed that work on the coastal road had commenced and special accommodation was made for the area surrounding Landmark Beach Resort, giving these establishments additional time to vacate the premises.

Source: nairametrics

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He made this known at the Association of the Real Estate Agents in Nigeria summit held in Lagos on Tuesday, under the theme, “Building Enduring Partnership for a Future.”

Oluyinka emphasized, “We are clearing the coastal road, and some houses would be affected. If you do not have planning permit approval, you cannot be compensated.”

Regarding the number of properties to be demolished, the commissioner stated that it was challenging to determine the exact figure. He explained, “All the properties to be demolished are all the properties on the road way, because they have been duly informed.

READ ALSO: Lagos Residents Protest Demolition Plans for Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road Project

The owner of properties with title would be compensated, but owners of properties without any approval, it is a pity, they will not be compensated.”

Oluyinka assured that the owners of these properties have been informed, and the next stage is the compensation process. He said, “We have informed them, the next stage, for those that are due for compensation, is to write to them officially to let them know and the value of what they would be compensated with.”

In related news, officials from the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, led by Commissioner Toke Benson-Awoyinka, recently met with residents of the Iru area of the state, particularly those affected by the ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project by the Federal Government.

READ ALSO: Unlocking Nigeria’s Economic Potential: Dealing with Dead Capital

Awoyinka stated that the government would ensure timely compensation for affected persons, stating, “The Lagos State Government will not leave the community members to bear any burden that comes with this project alone.”

Furthermore, a report by Landmark Africa Group, a leisure and lifestyle destination development company, indicated that the destruction of its properties to make way for the construction of the Lagos-Calabar highway would threaten 80 businesses and lead to the loss of 16,000 jobs in its ecosystem.

The Federal Government had earlier announced in March that it had commenced the construction of a 700km Lagos-Calabar coastal highway.

READ ALSO: Lagos State Plans Demolition of $200 Million Landmark Beach Resort for Coastal Highway Project

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, disclosed this after the Federal Executive Council approved a contract worth N1.067tn for the first phase of the highway’s construction. Umahi explained that the 47.47km dual carriageway would have five lanes on each side and a train track in the middle, forming part of the 700km road spanning nine states, with two spurs leading up north, and would be constructed with concrete.

The post Lagos State to Compensate Only Approved Properties in Coastal Road Demolition appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Approximately 100 protesters voiced their concerns outside the State House of Assembly, demanding that the government abandon its plans.

Saheed Olukosi, leading the demonstration, emphasized the importance of following due process and reverting to the original gazetted Right of Way (RoW). He stated that the community had verified with the Ministry of Physical Planning, confirming that their buildings did not encroach on the RoW of the coastal road alignment.

READ ALSO: Landmark Beach in talks with FG, LASG to modify Lagos-Calabar Highway route to protect business operations

Ridwan Adekunle highlighted a significant deviation from the approved coastal road alignment, noting that the community’s land was covered by a global Certificate of Occupancy (C of O). Despite assurances from government officials, including Desmond Elliot representing Surulere Constituency I, the residents remain skeptical and are determined to protect their properties.

The matter is set to be addressed in the State House of Assembly, with promises from Desmond Elliot that all parties involved will be called to resolve the issue.

READ ALSO: Property Owners Along Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road Seek Talks with FG

The residents of Okun-Ajah community stand firm in their stance against the demolition of their properties and are seeking a fair and just resolution to the ongoing dispute.

The post Lagos Residents Protest Demolition Plans for Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road Project appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The owner of the resort, Paul Onwuanibe, received the notice in late March, sparking concerns about the potential negative impacts on tourism and investment.

The Lagos government argues that the resort is situated within the designated right-of-way for the first phase of the ambitious 700-kilometer Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project.

Onwuanibe contends that the resort, valued at over $200 million, hosts more than 80 businesses and provides direct employment to over 4,000 individuals.

He emphasizes its substantial annual tax contribution of more than N2 billion to the state and its role in attracting approximately a million visitors, both local and international, annually.

Expressing disappointment, Onwuanibe demands compensation for the potential demolition, pointing out that he had purchased the land before the highway plans were unveiled. He fears that such actions could discourage future investments in Lagos, especially in the tourism sector.

Reports indicate that the threat of demolition has caused panic among domestic and international investors of Landmark Beach Resort, with some contemplating withdrawing their investments if the resort is indeed demolished. Onwuanibe underscores the critical role of the beach in the resort’s ecosystem, warning that its demolition would severely cripple the entire business.

READ ALSO: Federal Government Unveils Groundbreaking National Identity Card with Payment Features

The Lagos State government maintains that the planned demolition aligns with its agenda to remove “illegal” structures along the highway’s route. Notices were served to owners of affected properties, including Landmark, with announcements regarding the highway project made in mid-March.

The broader project, initiated by the federal government, aims to construct a 700-kilometer coastal highway connecting Lagos to Calabar, traversing nine states with additional spurs leading northwards.

The first phase, covering a distance of 47.47 kilometers, has already commenced construction by Hitech Construction Company Ltd., utilizing concrete pavement.

The dispute between Landmark Beach Resort and the Lagos State government underscores the intricate dynamics of infrastructure development and its potential ramifications on businesses and livelihoods.

The post Lagos State Plans Demolition of $200 Million Landmark Beach Resort for Coastal Highway Project appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

During his recent tour of federal projects in the Lagos zone, Minister of Works David Umahi announced that a contract for the project has been awarded to Hitech Construction Company.

The project, slated for completion in five years, is expected to necessitate the acquisition of land, potentially affecting numerous residential and commercial properties to create the necessary right-of-way.

One such affected property owner is the Landmark Africa Group, proprietors and developers of Landmark Lagos, also known as Landmark Village, an ecosystem housing over 80 businesses offering tourism, leisure, and hospitality services.

“The construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road is a commendable project that will connect vital regions of the country, bolster the economy, particularly the tourism industry, and enhance employment,” remarked Paul Onwuanibe, CEO of the Landmark Group.

However, Onwuanibe expressed concerns that the current road construction plan could lead to the destruction of the Landmark Group and its over 80 businesses, resulting in the collapse of a major player in the hospitality and tourism sector, widespread unemployment, and loss of taxpayer revenue, among other socio-economic repercussions.

READ ALSO: Lagos to remove illegal structures on 700km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Express right of way

He emphasized the need for extensive consultations with stakeholders to devise alternative win-win solutions for the road’s development while preserving existing businesses and their socio-economic value, calling for support from the federal, state, and local governments in this regard.

Onwuanibe recalled that Landmark acquired beachfront real estate along the Water Corporation Road in 2007, and the original construction plan for the Coastal Road, as part of the West Africa Coastal Highway, was to traverse the Water Corporation Road median, which remains undeveloped to date.

READ ALSO: How Civil Servants in FCDA are Conniving with Land Grabbers- Wike

“The Landmark Group now seeks the government’s intervention to reroute just about 1.5km out of the 700km stretch of the road to its original location on the Water Corporation Road median,” he stated.

He highlighted that the Landmark Village ecosystem welcomed over three million visitors in 2023, a significant number of whom were from the diaspora or foreigners, who visited to enjoy the premier leisure and tourism destination along the West African coastline.

The property owners are advocating for dialogue with the government to explore alternative solutions that would accommodate the road project’s development while minimizing the impact on existing businesses and the local economy.

The post Property Owners Along Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road Seek Talks with FG appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

This initiative represents a significant step towards enhancing transportation and connectivity along the coastal regions, demonstrating the government’s dedication to national development.

However, amidst the commendation, HDAN recognizes the concerns raised by stakeholders regarding the potential impact of the Coastal Road project on communities along its path.

The proposed alignment of the project has sparked controversy, particularly in Lagos State, where alterations to the original plan have raised apprehensions among residents and property owners.

HDAN shares the concerns expressed by affected communities, emphasizing the importance of engaging stakeholders and professionals to mitigate potential damages. The proposed alignment, which could lead to the demolition of over 500 houses from Alpha Beach to Epe, poses significant challenges to the welfare and livelihoods of affected individuals and families.

READ ALSO: HDAN Applauds Government’s Efforts on Cement Price, Urges Action on Soaring Granite and Iron Rods Cost

“The insistence on demolishing over 500 houses between Alpha Beach and our estate is not just a financial disaster but ruinous,” stated a representative from one of the community. “It appears the contractors are just blasting through to capture funds for commercial reasons. Nothing about the current alignment makes sense on a social, environmental, and welfare level. It does not even make sense on a national interest level.”

HDAN urges the Minister to reconsider the alignment and explore alternative options that prioritize social, environmental, and welfare considerations. The network emphasizes the need for a more sensible approach that minimizes damages while advancing the objectives of the Coastal Road project.

As part of the federal government’s infrastructure development plan, the Coastal Road project aims to enhance transportation and connectivity across the country. However, the current controversy underscores the importance of engaging with affected communities and stakeholders to ensure a mutually beneficial solution.

READ ALSO: HDAN Applauds Government’s Efforts on Cement Price, Urges Action on Soaring Granite and Iron Rods Cost

Efforts to reach the Ministry of Works for comments on the issue were unsuccessful at the time of this report. HDAN calls on the government to initiate dialogue and engagement with all relevant parties to address concerns and find sustainable solutions to the challenges posed by the Coastal Road project.

Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting sustainable housing development and advocating for the welfare of communities across Nigeria. With a focus on social, environmental, and welfare considerations, HDAN works to address challenges and facilitate solutions in the housing sector.

The post Lagos-Calabar coastal Rail line- HDAN Urges Minister to Engage Stakeholders to minimise demolition appeared first on Housing TV Africa.