Umahi: Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway on Course, Will Transform Niger Delta

Nigeria's Minister of Works, David Umahi, has strongly defended the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, asserting that it is firmly on schedule and dismissing criticisms about its cost and execution. During an inspection of Section 4B in Ondo State, Umahi described the highway as a vital strategic investment poised to revolutionize commerce, employment, and connectivity throughout the Niger Delta region.

Umahi expressed satisfaction with the progress, particularly commending HITECH Construction for its work in challenging terrain and for developing access routes. He noted that the Ondo section spans 52 kilometers, with the adjacent Ogun Section 4A covering 28 kilometers, where concrete pavement is already being laid. The contractor anticipates completing the foundation of the Ondo section by December, followed by concrete pavement within six months.

Addressing concerns about the project's substantial cost, Umahi urged critics to witness the construction firsthand. "You have to come here and see what the cost per kilometre looks like," he stated, emphasizing the engineering challenges posed by the difficult terrain and water bodies. He clarified the financing structure, explaining that the Federal Government contributes 30%, with the remaining 70% secured through an Engineering, Procurement, Construction plus Finance (EPC+F) model, framing it as an investment rather than a standard road project.

The minister highlighted that the current administration is focusing on only two major new roads: the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway. Other projects often cited, he explained, are rehabilitations or reconstructions of existing roads, such as the Makurdi-Ninth Mile road and the Bodo-Bonny Road, which has now connected Bonny Island to the mainland. Umahi reiterated the highway's potential to unlock economic corridors for agriculture, commerce, and education, creating thousands of jobs and enhancing security along its path.

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You have to come here and see what the cost per kilometre looks like.