The Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, has responded to comments previously made by former Cross River State Governor, Donald Duke, regarding the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, stating that the project has already progressed beyond Epe and is advancing steadily across several states.
Umahi made the clarification while inspecting Section 4B of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway in Ondo State on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to delivering one of Nigeria’s most ambitious road infrastructure projects under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Highway Construction Progresses Across Multiple States
According to the Minister, construction is currently ongoing simultaneously in several states, with significant milestones already achieved.
He disclosed that work has advanced beyond Lagos into Ogun, Ondo, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River States.
“The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is already on sail. We have sailed past Lagos that my brother Donald Duke talked about,” Umahi stated.
He revealed that:
- Construction is ongoing on 28 kilometres in Ogun State.
- 52 kilometres are under construction in Ondo State.
- 27 kilometres are progressing in Cross River State.
- The first section in Akwa Ibom covers about 47 kilometres, with over 60 percent of the work completed.
- The longest stretch of the project, approximately 180 kilometres, is also under construction in Akwa Ibom State.
Project Creating Jobs and Boosting Security
Umahi described the coastal highway as more than a transportation project, noting that it is creating employment opportunities, improving security, and opening new economic corridors.
According to him, more than 1,000 workers are currently employed on the Ondo section alone by HITECH Construction Company, with thousands of indirect jobs also being generated.
He added that the presence of construction workers, security personnel, and local vigilante groups along the corridor has contributed to improving security while stimulating commerce, agriculture, and education.
Calls for Constructive Criticism
The Minister said the Federal Government remains open to constructive criticism but urged critics to provide practical alternatives.
“If you want to criticize us, criticize us constructively and offer alternatives,” he said.
Umahi expressed confidence that President Tinubu remains fully committed to completing the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, describing the project as transformative for Nigeria’s economic future.
Alignment Changed for Engineering Reasons
Responding to allegations that the highway alignment was altered to favour private estates, Umahi dismissed the claims, explaining that the adjustment was based solely on engineering and economic considerations.
He said the original coastal alignment encountered soil deposits as deep as 50 metres, making construction technically difficult and significantly more expensive.
The revised alignment, he explained, also avoided the need to construct multiple bridges spanning large ocean channels, thereby reducing project costs without compromising quality.
According to Umahi, the changes were made in line with President Tinubu’s directive to ensure the project remained technically feasible and economically sustainable.
HITECH Commended for Quality Delivery
The Minister commended HITECH Construction Company for its professionalism, quality of work, and cordial relationship with host communities.
He described the company as a reliable partner in delivering one of Nigeria’s largest infrastructure projects and expressed confidence that the coastal highway would serve Nigerians for generations.
Umahi stated that the project reflects President Tinubu’s vision of rebuilding Nigeria through durable infrastructure capable of supporting economic growth for decades.
Source: Francis Nwaze, FIPMD
Senior Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister of Works (Media)
Date: August 6, 2026.
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