The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide has urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway follows its originally approved route, warning that any diversion could undermine public confidence in the Federal Government across the South-South region.
The council made the appeal on Thursday, October 15, 2026, during a press conference organised by its 10th National Executive Committee at Ijaw House in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The IYC National President, Dr Doubra Okotete, called on Tinubu to direct the Minister of Works, David Umahi, to maintain the highway’s original alignment as approved by the Federal Executive Council.
The council insisted that Edo, Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers states must remain part of the 750-kilometre infrastructure project, arguing that excluding these states would undermine the highway’s intended purpose of connecting coastal communities and promoting economic development.
The group expressed concern over statements attributed to Umahi suggesting that the highway could be redirected from Ondo State towards the existing East-West Road. It argued that such a change could prevent several Niger Delta communities from benefiting directly from the coastal corridor.
According to the IYC, the Niger Delta’s challenging terrain should not be used as justification for excluding the region from major federal infrastructure investments. The council maintained that the geographical difficulties could be addressed through proper engineering, adequate funding and effective planning.
It also pointed to infrastructure projects undertaken by state governments and the Niger Delta Development Commission as evidence that development challenges in the region could be overcome.
The council warned that altering the highway’s original route could have political consequences for Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 general elections.
It argued that expectations of improved infrastructure had contributed to public support for the administration in the South-South, adding that residents expected the Federal Government to deliver on its commitments to the region.
The IYC also referenced the recent moves by Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara into the APC, saying the region expected corresponding development benefits from the Federal Government.
The council urged Tinubu to demonstrate his commitment to equitable national development by ensuring that the project serves coastal communities across the region.
As part of its demands, the IYC called for the public release of the approved designs and engineering drawings for the entire highway. It also urged the government to commence construction along the Edo, Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers axis alongside ongoing work on other sections of the project.
The council maintained that retaining the original alignment would promote regional connectivity, encourage investment and ensure that communities in the Niger Delta benefit from the proposed coastal infrastructure.
Meanwhile, Umahi has maintained that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway has not been abandoned or replaced. The minister explained that the proposed reconstruction of the East-West Road is an additional project intended to address flooding and improve regional connectivity, insisting that the original coastal highway remains part of the Federal Government’s plans.
The dispute has intensified calls for the government to clarify the highway’s final alignment and publish relevant technical documents to address concerns among stakeholders and affected communities.
