Tinubu will complete Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Umahi says
By Boye Oyeyemi
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu will complete the 700-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, saying the project remains on schedule despite criticism from some quarters.
Umahi made the remarks during an inspection of the Ondo section of the highway in Ilaje Local Government Area, where he assessed the pace and quality of ongoing construction.
He said the work has recorded significant progress across several sections of the project, noting that the first stretch from Victoria Island to Elepe has been completed, while the Lagos-Ogun axis is nearing completion.
The minister added that construction is also advancing steadily in other sections extending into Ondo and Akwa Ibom states, describing the overall progress as encouraging.
Meanwhile, Umahi said the Federal Government remains committed to delivering the project, explaining that construction is being carried out in phases to ensure quality and timely completion along the coastal corridor.
Responding to critics, he dismissed claims that the highway would not be completed and rejected former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke’s assertion that the project was not a priority, arguing that previous administrations were constrained by inadequate funding and other challenges.
Umahi also denied allegations that the highway’s alignment was altered to benefit private property owners, explaining that geotechnical investigations revealed deep peat soil along the original coastal route, making construction there technically unsuitable.
He commended the contractor for maintaining high construction standards and urged Nigerians to remain patient and support the administration, expressing confidence that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway would be completed in line with the government’s vision.
