Umahi: Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Not Land Grabbing

Minister of Works, David Umahi, has defended the Federal Government’s Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, dismissing concerns surrounding changes to parts of its proposed route.

Umahi maintained that the project remained on course, insisting that the government’s decisions were informed by engineering considerations, flooding challenges and the need to improve road connectivity.

The minister’s remarks come amid criticism over plans to incorporate sections of the existing East-West Road into the wider coastal highway project, particularly around the Niger Delta.

President Bola Tinubu had directed that the coastal highway should use the existing East-West Road in parts of the corridor rather than require an entirely new alignment, according to Umahi.

The minister said the decision was intended to address difficult terrain and flooding risks, which have affected sections of the existing road.

Umahi had earlier explained that some portions of the East-West Road would need to be raised to protect them against flooding and improve their long-term durability.

He also maintained that the proposed addition of about 400 kilometres of the East-West Road would complement the coastal highway rather than replace the original project.

“The 750-kilometre coastal highway is intact and cannot be changed,” Umahi said in an earlier clarification, dismissing claims that the government had abandoned the project.

The controversy has, however, generated calls for greater transparency over the final route and the communities expected to benefit from the highway.

Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, has urged the Federal Government to clarify the approved alignment and explain how the project would serve coastal communities in Ondo and other affected states.

Critics have argued that moving sections of the route inland could limit the expected economic benefits for communities that rely on fishing, tourism, maritime activities and related businesses.

Umahi’s defence comes as construction continues on different sections of the highway, while surveys and design work are ongoing in areas yet to enter full construction.

The Federal Government has maintained that the project remains a major infrastructure priority intended to improve transportation and economic connectivity along Nigeria’s coastal corridor.