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Minister of Works Dave Umahi has described the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as one of the most significant infrastructure projects of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, saying its impact is already being felt by residents.
Umahi made the statement on Monday at the flag-off of the dualisation of the Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode road in Ogun State.
The minister highlighted the improvement in travel time between Lagos and Epe, saying a journey that previously took several hours can now be completed in minutes along the improved corridor.
According to him, the transformation demonstrates the practical benefits of the coastal highway project.
“You know, some people say the Lagos-Calabar Highway leads to nowhere, and I said it’s a pity. Go and ask people in Lagos; go ask even enemies; they will testify that this is the best gift of this administration,” Umahi said.
He recalled that travelling from Epe to Lagos previously took between seven and eight hours, but said the journey had been significantly reduced.
“Before, you are moving from Epe to Lagos; you would spend seven hours. I have once spent eight hours. Today, within 15 minutes, you will move from VI straight down to Epe and to the Lekki Seaport; this is a miracle,” he added.
The minister also defended the procurement process used to select the contractor handling the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway amid criticism that the project was not subjected to competitive bidding.
Umahi explained that Nigerian procurement regulations allow different methods, including special procurement, restrictive procurement and open advertisement.
He said the government opted for special procurement because of the contractor’s previous experience with major coastal projects.
“And when you are doing special procurement, it is allowed,” Umahi said.
He argued that the company’s experience in coastal engineering made it suitable for the project, adding that its previous work on controlling the Atlantic Ocean demonstrated its capacity to execute the highway.
The minister also questioned criticism that the project did not follow due process, pointing to international interest in financing the project.
Umahi further rejected claims that the Tinubu administration was concentrating on new projects while allowing existing roads to deteriorate.
He said the Federal Government was addressing existing road infrastructure alongside its major legacy projects.
“And let me correct an impression: there is no existing road that we are not working on,” he said.
According to him, about 95 per cent of the administration’s legacy road projects are being implemented along existing road corridors that had previously suffered from poor conditions.
The Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode road dualisation, which was recently approved by the Federal Executive Council, is expected to improve transportation between Oyo and Ogun states and facilitate the movement of people, agricultural products and commercial goods across the South-West.
President Tinubu was represented at the project flag-off by Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun.
