Umahi: Southeast Governors back Tinubu as Lagos-Calabar Highway nears tolling phase
By Kunle Sanni
Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, says governors from Nigeria’s Southeast region are united in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, citing ongoing federal infrastructure projects as key evidence.
In a feature interview for an upcoming State House documentary marking Tinubu’s second anniversary in office, Umahi urged political leaders from the region—including Labour Party’s Peter Obi—to align with the administration for the collective good.
“The Igbo man seeks fairness and equal treatment, and that’s what President Tinubu is offering,” Umahi said. “In Ebonyi, which used to lack federal presence, we now have at least four ongoing projects.”
He listed major road upgrades including the Port Harcourt–Enugu, Enugu–Abakaliki, Enugu–Onitsha, and Onitsha–Owerri highways, as well as continued work on the Second Niger Bridge.
Umahi revealed that the Southeast governors, irrespective of party lines, are planning a summit to formally endorse Tinubu for re-election in 2027.
On national infrastructure, Umahi announced that 80% of Section 1 of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway—from Ahmadu Bello Way to Eleko Junction—has been completed. He confirmed tolling on the route will begin by December, with a projected cost recovery timeline of 10 years.
Describing the highway as “an economic corridor,” Umahi said the route, which includes solar lighting and CCTV, will boost regional growth. He added that Sections 2, 3, and 3B are progressing in Lagos, Ogun, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom States.
