LASG To Demolish $200 Million Landmark Beach Resort For Coastal Highway Project

LASG To Demolish $200 Million Landmark Beach Resort For Coastal Highway Project

The Lagos State Government (LASG) has announced its intention to demolish a portion of the renowned Landmark Beach Resort to facilitate the construction of the coastal highway as part of the Lagos-Calabar road project…..READ ALSO BREAKING: LASG Close Eko Bridge With Strong Reason

In a letter addressed to the proprietor of Landmark Beach Resort, Paul Onwuanibe, dated March 19, 2024, and signed by Tpl Shomolu O., Deputy Director of the Development Matters Department, the LASG notified Onwuanibe of the need to vacate the premises within seven days to pave the way for demolition.

Onwuanibe, the 58-year-old owner of the resort, expressed his astonishment upon receiving the demolition order, stating that the government cited the resort’s location within the right of way of the planned 700-kilometer coastal highway linking Lagos to Calabar.

Acquired in 2007 prior to the coastal highway project’s inception, the Landmark Beach Resort has since become a premier destination, attracting approximately one million visitors annually, both local and international.

The resort, valued at over $200 million, serves as the hub for over 80 businesses, providing employment opportunities for more than 4,000 individuals directly. Additionally, it contributes over 2 billion naira ($1.5 million) in annual tax revenue.

Despite the government’s directive, Onwuanibe expressed concern about the impact of the resort’s demolition on the local economy and the livelihoods it supports. He also questioned the timing of the order, considering the significant investment made in the establishment.

The impending demolition has sparked debates regarding the balance between infrastructure development and the preservation of existing businesses and cultural landmarks. Critics argue that the government should explore alternative routes or methods to minimize disruption to established enterprises and local communities.

The controversy surrounding the Landmark Beach Resort’s demolition underscores broader issues related to urban development and the protection of private property rights in Lagos. As stakeholders await further developments, the fate of the resort hangs in the balance, with implications for the city’s economic landscape and heritage preservation efforts.

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