In a recent statement released on March 19, 2024, the Lagos State Government issued a demolition notice to the tourism company situated at the Landmark site in Victoria Island. The decision was prompted by the potential obstruction posed by certain sections of the company on the planned route for the construction of the 700-kilometer coastal road.
Landmark, a site that houses over 80 companies and provides more than 4,000 direct job opportunities, has taken action to safeguard these economic activities. The Landmark Group has urged the federal government to consider a new 1.5 km route for the road project to protect these businesses.
Despite these efforts, an agreement has yet to be reached between the federal government and the company’s management to prevent disruption to the activities of the companies operating in the area.
In a press release issued on Thursday, April 18, 2024, the Landmark Group expressed concerns about the swift progress of the embankment works, which could further disrupt tourist activities on the platform.
The company has strongly advocated for reverting to the initial route planned along the median of Water Corporation Road, an undeveloped area not currently occupied by permanent construction.
Moreover, the Landmark Group has raised issues regarding the lack of official consultation on the alignment of the coastal road and the absence of discussions on the environmental impact of the project on the Landmark site.
The concerns of the tourism company have heightened due to the rapid landfilling work, causing apprehension among independent businesses, suppliers, employees, investors, financial stakeholders, and customers within the tourism ecosystem at Landmark.
Despite ongoing efforts to engage with authorities at various levels, the Landmark Group is awaiting official notifications to clarify the potential timeline for resolving this dispute and ease fears and uncertainties within its community.
This impasse between the government and the private sector underscores key questions about urban development and the preservation of existing economic activities. It underscores the challenges of land use and infrastructure planning in a period of rapid growth and environmental constraints. The situation also underscores the necessity for transparent and inclusive dialogue among stakeholders to find sustainable and equitable solutions that safeguard both public and private interests.