Tensions have emerged among investors, stakeholders, and residents of the Okun Ajah community in Lagos over Minister of Works David Umahi’s decision to reroute the Lagos-Calabar expressway through the area. During a briefing at Eleko beach with members of the House of Representatives committee and stakeholders, Umahi explained that the diversion at Okun Ajah was necessary due to the presence of submarine network cables.
“When we reached Okun Ajah at Km 16, we discovered extensive network cables from MTN and Africa Network coming from the ocean,” Umahi stated. “Instead of following the original corridor, which was gazetted 25 years ago, we diverted at Km 16 after consultations with the community and HiTech,” he added.
However, community representatives and stakeholders challenged this rationale, maintaining that no such submarine cables exist in Okun Ajah and asserting they are instead located in Okun Mopo, about seven kilometers away. In response, Yusuf Odunuga, a community representative, emphasized the impact on residents, saying, “I’m certain the cables you mentioned are at Km 23. Please, save our community from ocean surges by redirecting the road to help block the sea surge.”
Investor Ejiro Asholami expressed financial concerns over the planned diversion, estimating potential losses exceeding N40 million.
