The Lagos State Government has issued a directive to demolish a section of the renowned Landmark Beach Resort to facilitate the construction of the coastal highway for the Lagos-Calabar road project.
In a letter dated March 19, 2024, addressed to the proprietor, Paul Onwuanibe, and signed by the Deputy Director of the Development Matters Department, Tpl Shomolu O., on behalf of the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, it was stated that Onwuanibe had seven days to vacate the premises of his multimillion-dollar beach resort to make way for demolition.
According to the letter, the resort, frequented by approximately one million local and foreign visitors last year, is situated within the planned right of way for the 700-kilometer coastal highway intended to connect Lagos to Calabar. Onwuanibe, 58, acquired the land in 2007, prior to the formulation of plans for the coastal highway.
Upon receiving the demolition order, Onwuanibe expressed a mixture of emotions, ranging from amazement to concern, questioning the reality of the situation. The directive also included instructions for filing compensation claims.
The Landmark Beach Resort, valued at over $200 million, hosts more than 80 businesses and sustains over 4,000 direct jobs. It additionally contributes over 2 billion naira ($1.5 million) annually in tax revenue.
Previously, the Lagos State Government had published notices regarding the demolition in two national newspapers.
