The Ijaw Youth Council Worldwide has urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the controversy surrounding the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway and ensure that the project follows its original approved alignment.
The council said any diversion towards the existing East-West Road could leave Edo, Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers states outside the planned coastal corridor, undermining the project’s intended benefits for communities across the South-South.
Speaking at a press conference in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, the council’s National President, Dr Doubra Okotete, called on Tinubu to direct Works Minister David Umahi to preserve the original route through the affected states.
The IYC also demanded that the Federal Government publicly release the approved engineering designs and drawings for the 750-kilometre highway. It called for construction to begin on the Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta and Edo sections, alongside work on the Lagos–Ondo and Cross River–Akwa Ibom stretches.
The council rejected arguments that difficult terrain and financial constraints justified changing the route, pointing to other road and bridge projects in the Niger Delta as evidence that construction challenges could be overcome.
It further offered to sponsor a visit by former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke to inspect infrastructure projects in the region.
The IYC warned that changing the route could weaken Tinubu’s political support in the South-South ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that government assurances must be backed by concrete action.
The council said any diversion towards the existing East-West Road could leave Edo, Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers states outside the planned coastal corridor, undermining the project’s intended benefits for communities across the South-South.
Speaking at a press conference in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, the council’s National President, Dr Doubra Okotete, called on Tinubu to direct Works Minister David Umahi to preserve the original route through the affected states.
The IYC also demanded that the Federal Government publicly release the approved engineering designs and drawings for the 750-kilometre highway. It called for construction to begin on the Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta and Edo sections, alongside work on the Lagos–Ondo and Cross River–Akwa Ibom stretches.
The council rejected arguments that difficult terrain and financial constraints justified changing the route, pointing to other road and bridge projects in the Niger Delta as evidence that construction challenges could be overcome.
It further offered to sponsor a visit by former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke to inspect infrastructure projects in the region.
The IYC warned that changing the route could weaken Tinubu’s political support in the South-South ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that government assurances must be backed by concrete action.
Filed under
#Ijaw Youth Council
#Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway
#Bola Tinubu
#David Umahi
#Niger Delta
#Infrastructure
#Nigerian Politics
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Summary
The Ijaw Youth Council has called on President Bola Tinubu to preserve the original Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway route, warning that a diversion could exclude four South-South states and damage public confidence ahead of the 2027 elections. The Ijaw Youth Council Worldwide has urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the controversy surrounding the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway and ensure...
Key takeaways
- The Ijaw Youth Council has called on President Bola Tinubu to preserve the original Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway route, warning that a diversion could exclude four South-South states and damage public confidence ahead of the 2027 elections.
- The Ijaw Youth Council Worldwide has urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the controversy surrounding the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway and ensure that the project follows its original approved alignment.The council said any diversion towards the existing East-West Road could leave Edo, Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers states outside the planned coastal corridor, undermining the project’s intended benefits for communities across the South-South.Speaking at a press conference in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, the council’s National President, Dr Doubra Okotete, called on Tinubu to direct Works Minister David Umahi to preserve the original route through the affected states.The IYC also demanded that the Federal Government publicly release the approved engineering designs and drawings for the 750-kilometre highway.
- It called for construction to begin on the Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta and Edo sections, alongside work on the Lagos–Ondo and Cross River–Akwa Ibom stretches.The council rejected arguments that difficult terrain and financial constraints justified changing the route, pointing to other road and bridge projects in the Niger Delta as evidence that construction challenges could be overcome.It further offered to sponsor a visit by former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke to inspect infrastructure projects in the region.The IYC warned that changing the route could weaken Tinubu’s political support in the South-South ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that government assurances must be backed by concrete action.
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What is this story about?
The Ijaw Youth Council has called on President Bola Tinubu to preserve the original Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway route, warning that a diversion could exclude four South-South states and damage public confidence ahead of the 2027 elections. The Ijaw Youth Council Worldwide has urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the controversy surrounding the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway and ensure...
Who published this story?
Glow 99.1 FM published this story with GlowRy Atuah listed as author.
When was it published?
October 16, 2026
