The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has expressed confidence in the progress of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, announcing that 30KM of the major project will be ready for inauguration by May 25, 2025, ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s first anniversary in office.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, Umahi stated that the construction work so far has met his expectations, with over 15km of dual carriageway already completed from the Victoria Island end, while another 5km stretch at Eleko, near the Lekki Deep Seaport, is also taking shape.
“The idea is that by May 25th, 30 kilometres continuously will be made available for Mr President to commission from the beginning of section one down to kilometre 0 to 20,” Umahi said.
According to him, Section One of the highway spans from Victoria Island to Eleko, covering major economic corridors in Lagos. However, he noted that about 17 kilometres would be skipped due to densely populated settlements along the path.
Immediate Tolling Proposed for Completed Section
Umahi also revealed plans to recommend immediate tolling of the completed portion of the highway once it’s commissioned. He argued that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is not a legacy project, but a strategic investment with high returns.
“When that is completed, I will be for immediate tolling engagement,” he said, adding that President Tinubu views the project as a long-term economic booster rather than a political showpiece.
The minister emphasized that tolling will contribute to maintaining the road infrastructure and recovering investment costs, aligning with the administration’s approach to infrastructure funding.
Responding to Criticism and Transparency Claims
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project has not been without controversy. The N15.6 trillion undertaking has come under fire from political opposition and notable figures including:
- Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who called the contract shrouded in secrecy
- Labour Party’s Peter Obi, who echoed similar concerns about transparency
- Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who in his recent book “Nigeria: Past and Future”, described the project as wasteful
However, Umahi strongly defended both the process and President Tinubu’s involvement.
“The President Bola Ahmed Tinubu never recommended any contractor to me, never sent any contractor to me, never interfered in terms of the costing,” he said.
The minister further pointed out that Obasanjo had previously commended his transparency during his time as Governor of Ebonyi State and should not change his stance now.
Economic Significance of the Coastal Highway
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is expected to stretch across eight coastal states, enhancing trade and tourism while connecting key ports and economic hubs along Nigeria’s southern corridor. Once completed, it could transform logistics, reduce travel time, and open up new investment corridors along the Atlantic coastline.
Despite opposition, the project remains one of the flagship infrastructure initiatives under the Tinubu administration, aimed at boosting connectivity and supporting national economic growth.
As the project gains momentum, all eyes will be on the promised 30km stretch, which is set to serve as a testament to the administration’s commitment to infrastructure delivery in Nigeria.
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