The Lagos State Government has issued a demolition warning to the owner of the $200 million Landmark Beach Resort, a prominent tourism destination. The warning cites its obstruction of the planned route for a 700-kilometre coastal road connecting the state with Calabar.
Paul Onwuanibe, 58, informed CNN that he received a notice in late March to vacate his multimillion-dollar beach resort within seven days due to its impending demolition.
The Landmark property, valued at over $200 million, houses more than 80 businesses and directly employs over 4,000 people. Additionally, the company claims to contribute over N2 billion in taxes annually.
As one of Nigeria’s top-tier tourism spots, the beach resort welcomed approximately one million local and foreign visitors last year.
Onwuanibe explained that he purchased the land in 2007, long before plans for the coastal highway were formulated. He expressed mixed feelings upon receiving the demolition notice and is also seeking compensation.
“People who contribute to the development of cities like this will be deeply concerned about the proposed demolition of the beach resort. It poses a significant threat to inward investment in the state and, more importantly, to those already operating,” Onwuanibe lamented.
He further stated that both international and domestic investors in the Landmark Group are contemplating withdrawing their investments if the beach resort, which features amenities such as a mini-golf course, beach soccer field, volleyball court, and basketball court, is demolished.
“Without the beach, the entire ecosystem is at risk and severely damaged. I have received numerous panicked calls from international and local investors, as well as local debt providers, threatening to withdraw their support as they view this as vital to our survival as a business,” he added.
Earlier in March, the Federal Government commenced the construction of the 700-kilometer Lagos – Calabar Coastal Highway, spanning 9 states with two spurs leading to the Northern States.
Minister of Works David Umahi disclosed that the road would be built using the concrete pavement during the official handover of the first phase to Hitech Construction Company Ltd. He noted significant progress made by Hitech Construction Company Limited, completing 1.3 kilometers of the required filling since the federal government awarded the contract.
