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Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has challenged critics of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway to a public debate, insisting that the project is progressing despite sustained opposition.
Umahi spoke on Sunday in Lagos during a press conference and stakeholders’ engagement on the coastal highway, arguing that the project would help expand economic activity across the country.
The minister dismissed claims that the project would fail to progress beyond Lagos, saying construction had already advanced past Epe and was ongoing across several sections of the route.
“Let anybody tell me any state that is not a construction site under President Bola Tinubu. I am waiting for a debate on this,” Umahi said.
He also defended the project’s reported cost of about ₦4 billion per kilometre, saying the pace of construction contradicted claims that the highway would not be completed.
According to him, Lot 1 has been completed, while Lot 2 is more than 80 per cent complete. He added that construction had reached Ondo State, with work also progressing in Akwa Ibom and Cross River.
“We have done over 30 per cent of the job in Calabar and Akwa Ibom. We have started the largest section 180km by 2,” the minister said.
Umahi said the remaining sections would cover Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers and Edo states as construction progresses along the coastal corridor.
The minister also rejected arguments that the project was unnecessary, saying the highway was being developed in the interest of Nigerians and would open up economic opportunities along the coastline.
The project, however, has faced criticism from opposition politicians, activists and other stakeholders, who have questioned its cost, execution and timing.
Critics have argued that the Federal Government should prioritise the rehabilitation of existing roads across the country rather than committing substantial resources to a new coastal highway.
The 700-kilometre highway, flagged off in May 2024, is designed to connect Lagos with Cross River State through Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers and Akwa Ibom.
The project has also generated controversy over the demolition of some structures along its route, with affected communities and property owners raising concerns about the development.
Umahi, however, maintained that the Federal Government would continue with the project, while warning people against loitering, trading or sleeping on the highway as construction progresses.
The minister’s latest challenge comes as debate over the economic value, cost and execution of the coastal highway continues, with the Federal Government maintaining that the project will deliver long-term benefits to the country.
