The Ibeju-Lekki Ancestral Coastal Communities Forum has called for urgent action on issues affecting 53 ancestral communities, including the proposed 150-metre coastal road setback, prolonged electricity outages, flooding and land allocation concerns.
Epe Insights reports that the forum raised these concerns at a stakeholders’ meeting held on Sunday, attended by traditional rulers, Baales, community leaders and political stakeholders to discuss challenges facing communities along the coastal corridor.
The meeting focused on the impact of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project, the need for improved electricity supply, inadequate drainage infrastructure and the protection of indigenous families’ land interests.
Speaking at the meeting, Hon. Adebayo Agbabiaka provided updates on the issues affecting the forum. He said the communities had made significant sacrifices towards the development of Lagos State and Nigeria and called for their interests to be clearly addressed in the 20-year Ibeju-Lekki Master Plan.
Agbabiaka stressed the need for the master plan to define the future of the ancestral coastal communities and ensure that their concerns were considered in development decisions.
Participants also raised concerns about the absence of a drainage system in Eti-Okun, inadequate drainage between Eleko and Idado, and the poor condition of the Akodo Community Road.
Residents expressed concern that inadequate drainage and flooding were affecting communities along the coastal corridor, particularly in connection with construction activities associated with the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road.
Responding to the concerns, Hon. Issa Moruf disclosed that a stakeholders’ meeting had recently been held at the council secretariat, with relevant government agencies in attendance.
He said the meeting resolved that a 32KVA substation would be located in Eleko to support electricity supply along the Ajah-to-Eleko corridor. According to him, the project had received approval, while consultations had commenced on right-of-way clearance and compensation for affected persons.
On the proposed 150-metre coastal road setback, Moruf assured residents that their concerns would be communicated and addressed through engagement with the relevant authorities.
He expressed confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would listen to the concerns of ancestral communities and would not allow indigenous residents to be displaced from their homes.
Moruf also disclosed that a service lane had been approved along the coastal road corridor to serve residents. The proposed provision is expected to address some of the access concerns associated with the road project.
On waste management, he highlighted the Ibeju-Lekki administration’s Keke Jaja initiative, stating that more vehicles would soon be deployed to coastal communities to improve waste collection and sanitation.
Regarding the deplorable condition of Akodo Community Road, Moruf described the road as a major project that the administration led by Hon. (Engr.) Abdullahi Sesan Olowa would consider.
The discussions highlighted the need for continued engagement between government agencies, traditional institutions and affected communities to address infrastructure challenges while protecting the interests of indigenous families.
The concerns raised at the meeting reflect the importance of incorporating local needs into major development projects, particularly where road construction, land use and electricity infrastructure may affect established communities.
Residents will be looking for further clarification on the implementation timeline for the proposed substation, the approved service lane, drainage improvements and plans for the Akodo road.
The forum’s demands also place renewed attention on the need for the long-term Ibeju-Lekki Master Plan to balance infrastructure expansion with community welfare, environmental protection and the preservation of ancestral interests.
