Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has confirmed that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project has progressed past Epe, countering suggestions by former Cross River State Governor, Donald Duke, that the project might stall. During an inspection of Section 4B in Ondo State, Umahi noted that work is currently active across five states, including significant progress in Ogun, Ondo, Akwa Ibom, and Calabar.
The minister highlighted that the highway is a central element of President Bola Tinubu’s infrastructure plans. He emphasized that the project is driving job creation, with Hitech Construction Company already employing over 1,000 people in just one section. Beyond construction, he stated that the initiative is boosting local commerce, agriculture, and regional security.
Addressing allegations regarding the project’s route alignment, Umahi explained that the initial path was discarded due to major technical hurdles, such as unstable soil and the necessity for costly, massive bridges. Regarding financial transparency, he noted that Deutsche Bank, which is funding the first section, has lauded the project’s design and even oversubscribed the loan facility. Umahi remains optimistic that the road network will serve the country for decades to come, urging citizens in the Niger Delta to support the government’s vision.
