Umahi Challenges Critics: “I’m Ready For A Debate On Lagos-Calabar Highway

Minister of Works David Umahi has challenged critics of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway to a public debate, insisting that construction of the massive infrastructure project is progressing despite persistent criticism.

According to Ireporter Online, Umahi made the remarks on Sunday during a press conference and stakeholders’ engagement on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway in Lagos.

The minister dismissed claims that the project would not extend beyond Epe in Lagos State, stating that construction has already moved past the area and is progressing across other sections of the route.

Umahi said the highway is estimated to cost about ₦4 billion per kilometre, adding that significant progress has been recorded on several sections of the project.

He disclosed that Lot 1 of the project had been completed, while Lot 2 had reached more than 80 per cent completion.

The minister further stated that construction activities had commenced in Ondo State, while substantial progress had also been made in Akwa Ibom and Cross River states.

According to Umahi, more than 30 per cent of the work had been completed in the Calabar and Akwa Ibom sections, while a major 180-kilometre section was also under construction.

He said the remaining portions of the project were located in Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers and Edo states.

Umahi defended the Federal Government’s decision to pursue the project, arguing that the coastal highway would help unlock economic opportunities and improve connectivity across the country.

He also acknowledged the doubts surrounding the project, saying critics were justified in questioning its feasibility given the scale of the undertaking.

However, the former Ebonyi State governor maintained that President Bola Tinubu’s administration had demonstrated its ability to undertake projects previously considered difficult to achieve.

The minister’s comments came amid continued criticism of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, which was officially flagged off in May 2024.

Opposition figures and some civil society voices have questioned the project’s prioritisation, with critics arguing that funds could instead be directed towards repairing existing roads across the country.

The project has also attracted controversy over demolitions and compensation issues affecting properties located along its route.

The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is designed to span about 700 kilometres, connecting Lagos with Cross River State through Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers and Akwa Ibom.

Despite the criticism, Umahi insisted that the project remains a strategic infrastructure investment capable of supporting economic growth and opening up communities along Nigeria’s coastal corridor.