SERAP threatens to sue Umahi over environmental and social impact assessment of Lagos-Calabar coastal highway

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has threatened to sue David Umahi, the minister for works, over the environmental and social impact assessment of the ongoing Lagos-Calabar coastal highwayproject.

The civil society organisation said this on its X account on Thursday, issuing a freedom of information request against the minister.

SERAP asked Umahi to immediately disclose if the assessment was carried out or not and to widely publish a copy of the report of any such assessment including the date and locations.

The organisation threatened to drag the minister to court if the information is not immediately disclosed.

“BREAKING: We’re issuing a freedom of information request against Senator David Umahi to immediately disclose if any environmental and social impact assessment was carried out on the Lagos – Calabar Coastal Highway Project, and to widely publish a copy of the report of any such assessment including the date and locations of the assessment. We’ll see in court if the information is not immediately provided,” SERAP said on its X account.

At a press briefing on Wednesday, a journalist asked whether the project has received final approval from the Federal Ministry of Environment or if an exemption has been granted.

“We are following due process; it is the federal government that gives the approval not you. We have the approval,” the minister replied.

When asked if the approval can be made public, “Everything in order,” Umahi said.