Paul Onwuanibe, CEO of Landmark Africa Group, has expressed optimism that ongoing talks with the government will ensure the preservation of Landmark Beach Resort, a major tourism hub, despite concerns about the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. Onwuanibe shared this sentiment via his official X (formerly Twitter) account, addressing public interest and concerns over the potential impact of the highway on the resort's operations.
Onwuanibe highlighted that a recent visit by Federal Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, to the Landmark Beach Ecosystem strengthened his confidence that the Landmark Group’s tourism platform, which includes the resort, its independent businesses, and thousands of related jobs, will be safeguarded. He expressed appreciation to Senator Umahi for taking the time to personally assess the site, noting the minister's understanding of the ecosystem’s value within the context of Nigerian tourism.
In his statement, Onwuanibe thanked Senator Umahi for his visit and expressed hope that the ongoing discussions would result in a resolution that protects Landmark Beach, its businesses, and the numerous jobs it supports. He emphasized the importance of finding a balanced solution that would support both infrastructure development and the livelihoods tied to the Landmark Beach ecosystem.
Onwuanibe’s approach underscores his support for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, highlighting the potential benefits the project could bring to tourism. He advocated for a strategy that would advance development while ensuring the survival of this key leisure and tourism destination, which supports thousands of families.
Landmark Beach Resort, a prominent attraction in Lagos’s Oniru area, was recently served a demolition notice from the Lagos State Government due to alleged encroachment on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway’s right of way. The prospect of demolition sparked significant concern on social media, with many Nigerians expressing fears about job losses and disruption to an established business.
To address this, the management of Landmark Beach Resort initiated talks with both the federal and state governments, proposing an alternative route for the coastal highway. Their suggestion involved redirecting the road along the undeveloped median of Water Corporation Road to minimize disruption. This solution, according to Onwuanibe, aligns with the group's vision of balancing infrastructure development with the preservation of Landmark Beach’s significant role in Nigerian tourism.
The public discourse attracted the attention of prominent figures such as Atiku Abubakar and Funso Doherty, who voiced concerns about the potential job losses and business disruption. Their advocacy further fueled calls for protecting established businesses while promoting new infrastructure projects.
In response to these concerns, Senator Umahi assured during a stakeholders' meeting on the project that no permanent structures or jobs at Landmark Beach would be affected by the highway’s construction. He downplayed the issue, stating that there were no major challenges related to Landmark, and reassured the public that no jobs would be lost despite concerns about potential impacts.
Onwuanibe’s leadership and active involvement in government discussions demonstrate his commitment to both enhancing tourism in Nigeria and safeguarding the livelihoods associated with Landmark Beach. His efforts continue to be vital in ensuring that development and business sustainability go hand in hand as Nigeria moves forward with significant infrastructure projects.