Tinubu: Only 5 Of 147 Buildings Fully Demolished

President Bola Tinubu says only 5 of the roughly 147 structures caught up in the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway demolition will be completely torn down, with the remaining 142 facing only minor impact from the service lane construction.

Tinubu shared the figures during a stakeholder engagement that coincided with the flag-off of repair work on a flood-damaged section of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, alongside rehabilitation of the Eko and Marine bridges.

The president was represented at the event by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who read his message to residents and stakeholders directly.

For owners of the structures fully affected, Tinubu asked for patience while assuring them compensation would follow.

"It will be given to you at the right time," he said.

A representative of the AEC consortium handling the project disclosed the 147 figure during the engagement, breaking it down as:

• 5 structures marked for complete demolition
• 142 structures expected to see only minimal impact

This assurance lands against a backdrop of real tension. Earlier phases of the same 700 kilometre highway project have seen property owners protest over what they described as poor or delayed compensation, with one demonstration in Lagos specifically calling on Tinubu to intervene directly. The Ministry of Works has said hundreds of millions of naira in compensation has already been paid out in stages elsewhere along the corridor, but disputes over fairness and timing have persisted. The government has also had to publicly reject claims that the highway itself contributed to recent flooding in parts of Lagos, insisting the flooding stemmed from blocked drainage and unauthorized development instead.

Beyond the demolition figures, Tinubu used the occasion to highlight the significance of the two bridges undergoing rehabilitation. He described Eko Bridge as one of the country's most important post-independence infrastructure achievements, while noting that Marine Bridge serves as a critical access route to Lagos's seaports.

He also commended Minister of Works David Umahi for his role in expanding Nigeria's road network.

Tinubu framed the stakeholder engagement as an effort to build public understanding and cooperation around the broader infrastructure push.

"For all of us to enjoy the full benefit of infrastructure, we have to shift a bit, so that it becomes an asset that will outlive all of us," he said.

He added that while the Federal Government welcomes constructive criticism, it is counting on public support for projects that are well planned and properly executed.

"It is my honour to flag off all of these projects to the benefit of mankind, to our citizens in Lagos, to the benefit of all our people across the country," he said.