Tinubu orders Lagos-Calabar highway rerouted through East-West road, Umahi says

President Bola Tinubu has directed the Federal Ministry of Works to reroute sections of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway through the existing East-West Road from Ondo State towards Edo State, Minister of Works Dave Umahi has said.

Umahi said the directive was intended to prevent the construction of a new alignment along the corridor, with the government opting to use existing road infrastructure.

“Divert, do not do any new alignments. Pass the coastal highway through the existing East-West road,” the minister quoted Tinubu as saying.

Speaking on the route adjustment, Umahi said flooding along the East-West Road, particularly around Ughelli in Delta State, had also influenced the government’s plans for the corridor.

He said the road was constructed before the effects of climate change were adequately anticipated, leaving some sections vulnerable to flooding.

According to him, the Federal Government plans to raise parts of the road by about two metres above the existing level and anticipated flood levels.

Umahi said Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori had intervened over the flooding concerns, adding that the proposed elevation was part of efforts to improve the road’s resilience.

The minister also defended the realignment of sections of the highway in Ondo State, saying the original route presented significant engineering challenges.

“I am aware of petitions against me saying I diverted the Ondo section. I welcome that,” he said.

“But the important thing is whether you are doing the right thing or the wrong thing. We have no regret for decisions taken in Ondo.”