Lagos–Calabar coastal highway already beyond Lagos, Presidency replies Duke

The Nigerian Presidency has strongly refuted criticisms leveled by Donald Duke, former governor of Cross River State and presidential candidate, regarding the progress of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project. Duke had claimed the highway would not extend beyond Epe in Lagos State, a statement the Presidency described as politically motivated and factually incorrect.

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Former Governor Donald Duke, who wants to become President on the banner of an unviable political platform, has also joined the chorus of those saying the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway will not go beyond Lagos State.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Tope Ajayi, asserted that Duke was arguing against reality. Ajayi stated that while Duke was making his claims on television, the highway project had already reached Ogun State. Work is reportedly ongoing on the Ondo and Akwa Ibom State sections of the coastal road, demonstrating significant progress beyond the initial phase.

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I think politics makes a lot of people say things they don’t mean or believe. They just talk for the sake of talking or because of bad politics. There is actually no sense in arguing against reality.

The Presidency suggested that Duke's remarks stemmed from political motivations rather than an accurate assessment of the project. "I think politics makes a lot of people say things they don’t mean or believe. They just talk for the sake of talking or because of bad politics," Ajayi commented, implying that Duke's statements were not grounded in fact. The administration emphasized that the project's advancement contradicts Duke's assertions, highlighting ongoing construction in multiple states.

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While Duke was saying on TV that the Coastal Highway won’t go beyond Epe, the project has reached Ogun State, and work is ongoing on the Ondo and Akwa Ibom State sections of the coastal road.