Arise TV host Rufai Oseni has publicly challenged Minister of Works David Umahi concerning the procedures followed for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. Oseni expressed sharp disapproval on social media, claiming the government treated the project’s regulatory requirements with a lack of seriousness.
The journalist pointed out a significant discrepancy in the timeline of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). He noted that while work on the highway commenced in March 2024, the necessary environmental study was not concluded until April 2025, just one month prior to the commissioning of the initial phase in May 2025.
Oseni emphasized that the core purpose of an EIA is to proactively identify and mitigate ecological risks before building begins. By finalizing the report over a year into the construction process, he argues the government has undermined the legal intent of these assessments. He further alleged that the document was unavailable when initially requested, suggesting it was compiled retrospectively rather than serving as a genuine planning tool.
