NDC Questions Environmental Assessments, Transparency Over Ondo Coastal Highway

The Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) has raised concerns over the controversy surrounding the Coastal Highway project in Ondo State, calling for transparency regarding the environmental assessments, feasibility studies and other technical evaluations conducted before the project’s implementation.

The party questioned whether the necessary Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs) and other feasibility studies were completed before work commenced, stressing that such assessments are essential for identifying environmental risks, community impacts, engineering challenges and alternative routes for major infrastructure projects.

According to the NDC, environmental and social impact assessments should not be treated as mere formalities but as critical planning tools that help governments make informed decisions before committing public funds to large-scale projects.

The party argued that any significant changes to an approved highway route should be accompanied by clear explanations of the factors that informed the original alignment, the reasons for the subsequent changes, and the alternatives considered before the final decision was reached.

It also called for clarification on who authorised any route adjustments, the financial implications of such changes for taxpayers, and the measures being taken to protect communities and livelihoods that could be affected by the project.

The NDC maintained that the issues raised by the controversy extend beyond the Coastal Highway, highlighting broader questions about transparency, accountability and responsible management of public resources in infrastructure development.

The party urged the relevant authorities to make publicly available the project’s environmental and social impact assessments, approved route alignments, feasibility studies, cost implications and official explanations for any changes to the original plan.

It emphasised that citizens have a right to access information about major public projects, particularly those with significant financial, environmental and social implications for the communities concerned.

The party further stressed that public confidence in government projects depends on the availability of verifiable information, arguing that citizens should not be left to speculate about decisions involving public funds and the future of their communities.

Calling for greater public engagement, the NDC urged Nigerians to ask questions, request relevant documents and demand evidence-based explanations from the authorities responsible for the project.

The party concluded its position with a political appeal, urging Nigerians to vote for the NDC and hold the party accountable to its promises.

“We will do right by you,” the party assured citizens.