Minister of Works, David Umahi, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remain focused on Nigeria’s infrastructural transformation and to disregard critics questioning the cost and transparency of the ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project.
Umahi made the appeal on Thursday, June 5, 2025, during the official commissioning of the newly completed Lekki Deep Sea Port Access Road in Lagos State.
Calling for increased government funding to fast-track infrastructural development across the nation, Umahi highlighted the Lagos-Calabar highway as a landmark project attracting international support and investment interest.
“Mr. President, international financiers have praised this initiative. In fact, they believe the project is undervalued,” Umahi said. “Don’t listen to the naysayers. Give us more funding and we will deliver these transformational projects.”
Minister Defends Cost, Cites Engineering Challenges
Responding to recent public criticism surrounding the 700-kilometre coastal highway, Umahi defended the valuation and engineering costs involved. He argued that critics lacked the technical expertise to understand the complexities of road construction in challenging terrains.
“How do you put a fixed cost on one kilometre of road when some segments require dealing with swamps as deep as 20 metres, while others lie on stable soil?” Umahi asked. “I am a Fellow of the Society of Engineers. I understand the figures and the science behind them.”
Umahi assured the president that the first 30km stretch of the project—recently commissioned—would be completed before the end of December 2025, with tolling systems introduced to support maintenance and sustainability. He added that Section 2 of the highway is also progressing rapidly.
Tinubu Fires Back at Critics: “They Don’t Know What They’re Talking About”
President Tinubu, in his address at the same event, backed Umahi’s position and reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to infrastructure development.
“I appeal to you, David: ignore the critics. They don’t understand the scope or significance of what we’re doing,” Tinubu stated. “If they feel the road is too expensive, then toll it. Let them use Idumota if they prefer,” he quipped, drawing laughter from the crowd.
The president emphasized that building roads, ports, and refineries is key to unlocking Nigeria’s economic potential and positioning the nation for regional and global trade.
“We will not stop constructing the infrastructure that drives economic development. That is our commitment to Nigeria,” he said.
Strategic Importance of the Lekki Deep Sea Port Access Road
Highlighting the significance of the newly commissioned 27-kilometre, dual-lane reinforced concrete road leading to the Lekki Deep Sea Port, Umahi noted that the road is set to transform port logistics and ease the burden on the congested Apapa Port.
“This access road is critical to the functionality of the Lekki Deep Sea Port. It ensures smoother cargo movement and mitigates the bottlenecks we’ve long experienced in Lagos,” the minister said.
Dangote Names Key Road After Tinubu, Commends Federal Infrastructure Drive
Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, who was present at the event alongside Lagos Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu, named the main road leading to the Dangote Refinery after President Tinubu in a symbolic gesture honoring the president’s role in Nigeria’s infrastructure transformation.
“The Deep Sea Port Access Road is just one of eight major road projects spanning 500 kilometres,” Dangote said. “Two of these roads are located in Borno State and will link Nigeria directly to Chad and Cameroon, boosting regional trade.”
The newly commissioned access road runs from Epe to Ijebu-Ode, linking to the Sagamu–Benin Expressway, and is seen as a vital artery that will enhance logistics, trade, and investment across the southwest and beyond.
Post a Comment