Divert Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway From Akwa Ibom Forest Reserve, CSOs Tell Federal Government

Some Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have asked the federal ministry of works to immediately re-route the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway project away from Stubb’s Creek Forest Reserve in Akwa Ibom and its buffer zones.

The CSOs, numbering over 60, made the demand at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday when they asked the federal government to publicly disclose alternative alignments that avoid protected areas and sensitive ecosystems; and ensure that all project decisions comply with the EIA Act 1992 and robust international safeguards.

They also urged the federal ministry of environment to mandate and publicly release a cumulative ESIA for all existing and proposed projects affecting Stubbs Creek Forest Reserve, assessing combined impacts before any further approvals or construction and enforced full compliance with environmental and forest protection laws.

Presenting the CSOs’ position, executive director of one of the organisations, Dr Kelechi Okezie, called on the Akwa Ibom State government to affirm the protected status of Stubb’s Creek Forest Reserve and refuse any land allocation or right of way approvals that permit construction within the reserve.

“We, the undersigned civil society organisations, express deep concern over the proposed routing of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway through the Stubb’s Creek Forest Reserve, a legally gazetted forest reserve in Akwa Ibom State. We are also alarmed at statements from the Akwa Ibom State Government, suggesting that it might pursue de-reservation of Stubb’s Creek in order to make way for this project.

“Stubb’s Creek Forest Reserve is a gazetted forest reserve in Akwa Ibom State. It was established by the colonial government’s Forest Reserve Order No. 45 of 1930. The reserve is considered a biodiversity hotspot,and remains one of Nigeria’s most ecologically significant mangrove-freshwater forest systems.

“As the statutory custodian of Stubb’s Creek Forest Reserve, the Akwa Ibom State Government has openly indicated its willingness to permit the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway to traverse the reserve. This position necessarily implies the de-reservation of all or part of Stubbs Creek, as required under Volume III, Cap 52 of the Laws of Akwa Ibom State 2022.

“Re-purposing a forest reserve is a serious decision and global evidence shows that such downsizing or degazettements have resulted in rapid, often irreversible environmental loss. Under international human rights and environmental norms, such a step must be preceded by meaningful public participation, free, prior, and informed consultation, and access to information.

“We urge both the Akwa Ibom State Government and the Federal Government of Nigeria to act responsibly and decisively to prevent irreversible damage. Rerouting the coastal highway away from Stubb’s Creek Forest Reserve is not only feasible; it is necessary, lawful, and responsible.

“True development must not come at the cost of ecological collapse and heightened climate vulnerability. Protecting Stubb’s Creek is not an obstacle to development; but rather an investment in climate resilience, environmental justice, and the long-term wellbeing of present and future generations in Akwa Ibom State and the wider Niger Delta,” the CSOs added.