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Urges Peter Obi to drop ambition, support Tinubu for 2027
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, a major infrastructure project spanning several states along Nigeria’s southern coast, will begin toll collection starting December 2025, the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has disclosed.
The minister called on opposition figures in the Southeast, particularly former governor of Anambra State and Labour Party Presidential Candidate for the 2023 election, Peter Obi, to join forces with President Bola Tinubu’s administration for the collective progress of the region and Nigeria at large.
According to a statement issued by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the minister stated this while speaking in a feature interview for an upcoming State House documentary marking President Tinubu’s second anniversary.
Umahi provided an update on national infrastructure projects, including the four key initiatives: the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, the Trans-Saharan Trade Route, and the soon-to-be-procured Ogun-Ondo-Niger Corridor. He described these as transformative investments poised to unlock Nigeria’s economic potential and enhance regional integration.
On the progress of the highway and its significance as an economic corridor.
“By December, we will toll Section 1 of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. We project a 10-year return on investment. The road has solar-powered lighting and CCTV infrastructure and offers carbon credit advantages,” he said.
Umahi described the highway as more than just a road, emphasizing its role in regional growth. “It is more than a road—it is an economic corridor and a catalyst for regional growth. We have completed 30 kilometres of Section 1 and are on track to complete an additional 10 in Section 2. These are six-lane, concrete-paved highways.”
The Minister revealed that over 80 percent of Section 1, which stretches 47.47 kilometres from Ahmadu Bello Way to the Lekki Deep Sea Port and terminates at Eleko Junction, has been completed. Work is also progressing on Section 2, covering 55 kilometres from Eleko Junction to the Lagos-Ogun border.
“Just days ago, we flagged off Sections 3 and 3B—65 kilometres in total—covering 38 kilometres in Cross River State and 27 kilometres in Akwa Ibom. The host communities’ excitement speaks to these projects’ transformative impact,” Umahi added.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is one of several major national projects underway, alongside the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, the Trans-Saharan Trade Route, and the soon-to-be-procured Ogun-Ondo-Niger Corridor. These initiatives are designed to unlock Nigeria’s economic potential and deepen regional integration.
Umahi praised President Tinubu’s vision and leadership in bringing these long-anticipated projects to fruition. “God gave him the vision for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway seven years ago. Today, he is actualising that vision. These projects testify to his unwavering commitment to national development and a better future for all Nigerians.”
The Minister reaffirmed that the highway and other legacy projects are economically viable, environmentally sustainable, and forward-looking, marking a new era of infrastructural development under the current administration.
The minister also affirmed that all governors in the Southeast region are united in their support for President Tinubu’s administration, regardless of political party affiliations.
He highlighted the unprecedented federal attention and infrastructure development currently transforming the Southeast.
“The Igbo man is enterprising and blessed with God-given wisdom. What Ndi Igbo seek is fairness, Nigeria that treats every zone equally. That is what President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is doing,” he said.
Reflecting on past challenges, the Minister noted, “Before, when I was governor and deputy governor, one of our major concerns in Ebonyi State was the lack of federal presence. But today, nobody remembers that issue anymore. Under President Tinubu, at least four federal projects are ongoing in Ebonyi State.”
Umahi highlighted the progress made in addressing the Southeast’s long-standing concerns about marginalization, infrastructure, and political appointments. “Today, the South East has a Minister of Works for the first time, and we’re seeing real projects—Port Harcourt to Enugu, Enugu to Abakaliki, Enugu to Onitsha, Onitsha to Owerri, and the Second Niger Bridge. The President has already paid 30 per cent of the cost of that bridge.”
He revealed plans for a regional summit aimed at formally endorsing President Tinubu for the 2027 elections. “All the governors in the South East, regardless of party affiliation, are working with the President. We’re even planning a summit to bring together all South-East leaders to endorse the President for the 2027 elections formally. We want our projects to be completed, the country’s unity to be strengthened and proper integration of Ndi Igbo.”
Calling on opposition figures to join the collective effort, Umahi specifically addressed former governor Peter Obi: “Leadership is not about self—it’s about the people. If someone else is already doing what you would have done for your people, support him. I call on my brother, His Excellency Peter Obi, to join us and work with Mr. President. He must be part of this summit where we will collectively endorse President Tinubu for the 2027 election. I say it boldly: the South East is happy with the President.”