Tensions flared on Tuesday as Banana Island residents clashed with officials from the Federal Ministry of Works over plans to build an access road for a new estate near their upscale community.
The officials arrived at the estate early, intent on starting the project, but the residents swiftly objected. They cited security concerns and potential disruption to the estate’s infrastructure.
The standoff caused a temporary upheaval, with the normally serene environment of Banana Island disturbed for several hours. The Banana Island Property Owners & Residents Association (BIPORAL) quickly contacted the police to prevent any breakdown of order as the confrontation escalated.
A visit to the estate revealed the scale of the disruption. A heavy security presence was noted, while traffic congestion stretched out of control, affecting roads leading into the estate. The traffic gridlock persisted even after ministry officials left, with many residents and visitors opting to walk long distances to enter the estate due to the bottleneck at the gate.
The proposed access road and the adjacent estate, Apple Island, have been a point of contention for years. Previously, residents successfully blocked the development plans by Nigerian Army Properties Limited (NAPL), which aimed to construct the estate on 45 hectares just 400 meters off the coast of Banana Island.
Plans for Apple Island included a shopping mall, guest house, mosque, police station, and clubhouse. The project was initially halted after intense protests from the local community, which were eventually mediated by then-Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai. Despite the past resistance, the development issue has resurfaced, leaving the residents to once again fight to protect their community’s privacy and security.
