The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has restated his unwavering commitment to the ambitious 750-kilometre Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway project, declaring it a strategic investment that goes beyond road construction. Speaking during the flag-off ceremony of the Calabar section in Akampa Local Government Area of Cross River State on Monday, Umahi described the initiative as a transformative project that will redefine Nigeria’s coastal development and economic integration
According to the Minister, the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway is one of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s boldest infrastructural undertakings and a legacy that will outlive the current administration.
“This project is beyond just road construction. It is an investment in Nigeria’s future. I take full responsibility for the costing, the alignment, and the selection of contractors. I can defend this project any day—even up to the World Court,” Umahi declared confidently.
The Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway was initially conceived 27 years ago but remained dormant due to a lack of political will and funding. Umahi praised President Tinubu for resuscitating the vision and demonstrating the courage to implement such a mega infrastructure development despite criticisms and economic challenges.
He noted that the coastal highway will stretch across nine coastal states—starting from Lagos and terminating in Calabar—linking up major port cities, oil-producing communities, and tourism hubs.
“This is the kind of infrastructure that will unite our coastal regions, improve logistics, attract tourism and foreign investments, and open up economic opportunities for millions of Nigerians,” Umahi added.
The Works Minister appealed to host communities in Cross River and other states along the route to offer full cooperation to contractors and government officials, noting that the pace of the project will be largely influenced by the level of local support.
“We must not see this as a government-only project. Every community must own it, protect it, and support it. Your cooperation will help speed up delivery timelines and reduce costs,” Umahi urged.
Experts have lauded the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway for its potential to catalyze regional development, create thousands of jobs, and boost intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).
Beyond commerce, the project is expected to significantly enhance Nigeria’s maritime security and logistics infrastructure. With a well-paved and secure coastal route, movement of goods and services along Nigeria’s southern corridor will become safer and more efficient, reducing pressure on the existing inland roads.
While Umahi has assured Nigerians of transparency in project execution, the coastal highway project has not been without controversy. Civil society groups and some opposition figures have raised concerns over its cost estimates, environmental impact, and the displacement of coastal settlements.
In response, Umahi stated that all environmental impact assessments (EIAs) were conducted and that due process was followed in contracting and budgeting.
“No project of this magnitude is without its challenges. But what matters is how transparently we address them. I invite all stakeholders—civil society, the media, and lawmakers—to track the progress and participate constructively,” he said.
The Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway is projected to be completed in phases over the next few years. Once finished, it will be the longest single highway project in Nigeria and one of the most advanced road infrastructures in West Africa.
The flag-off in Calabar marks the beginning of a new chapter in Nigeria’s infrastructural journey—one that blends ambition with strategic foresight. As the groundwork progresses, all eyes remain on how swiftly and transparently the project will advance under the leadership of Minister Umahi and President Tinubu’s administration.