Altercation over Planned New Access Road Causes Chaos on Banana Island

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja and Bennett Oghifo in Lagos

An alleged plan by the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development to construct a road through the exclusive highbrow Banana Island, located in lagos, to a new estate around the same area, yesterday resulted in chaotic scenes.

No official of the ministry was willing to comment on the issue, but THISDAY gathered that the resistance by the residents of the island to security officials deployed by the ministry, led to a serious traffic jam around the area, delaying several homeowners who were on their way to their offices.

It was learnt that the occupants of the island insisted that the so-called access road was not part of the estate’s initial blueprint and if allowed to be constructed would not only deface the island, but could severely compromise security.

Aside from the boat club which was designated for recreation, set to be affected by the project, sources within the estate stated that the club house has been marked to be demolished, while the children’s playground as well as the gate will also be affected.

Due to the disagreement yesterday, the gates of  Banana Island situated in the Ikoyi Area of Lagos state was shut for entry and exit, causing serious gridlock around the Lekki-Ajah axis and some other parts of Ikoyi.

A viral video seen by THISDAY, showed vehicles in long queues, with security personnel manning the gate to the estate, trying to restore order.

The ministry officials were said to have ‘invaded’ the upscale estate intent to enforce the construction of the access road, but were resisted by the residents, who cited security concerns and significant impact on some of the estate’s facilities, including the entrance gate and recreation facilities.

Workers within the islands as well as visitors who had businesses to transact in the residential area were seen trekking right from Gerard Road into the estate, as security officials attempted to control the surging crowd.

The planned estate, known as Apple Island, which is the bone of contention, is said to be developed by the Nigerian Army Properties Limited (NAPL) and is located 400 metres off the shoreline of Banana Island.

It is said to sit on 45 hectares, with a total of 131 plots and when completed will comprise a shopping mall, guest house, police station, mosque, and clubhouse.

Although, in February, the Lagos State Government announced plans to mark illegal buildings on the Island for demolition, citing violations of building regulations, safety risks, and unauthorised encroachments, it however, denied any involvement in yesterday’s event.