The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has dismissed allegations that the 700-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is a wasteful and corruption-laden project, insisting that it is a strategic investment in Nigeria’s infrastructure.

Speaking at the Second Stakeholder Engagement and unveiling of the 71-kilometre Ondo State section of the project in Akure on Thursday, Umahi responded to critics, including a former president who recently described the project as unnecessary.

🔹 Umahi Defends the Project
“I saw on social media that one of our respected former presidents called the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway a wasteful and corrupt project,” Umahi said. “But as Minister of Works, I must clarify that this project is neither wasteful nor corrupt. It is a transparent and transformative initiative aimed at developing the nation.”

He highlighted that Section 1 of the project, particularly the Lagos axis, is already 70% completed, and reiterated that the Tinubu-led administration is committed to completing all inherited road projects across Nigeria.

🔹 Infrastructure Investment Key to National Development
Umahi emphasized that no region in Nigeria has been left out in the government’s road infrastructure plans, describing the highway as a major economic booster that will enhance connectivity, ease transportation, and unlock new business opportunities.

The minister urged stakeholders to provide input in the project, while also calling on the Ondo State Government to facilitate compensation for affected persons along the project route.

🔹 Ondo State Governor Praises Federal Efforts
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State expressed appreciation for the numerous federal projects ongoing in the state, including:
✅ Akure–Ore Dual Carriageway
✅ Akure–Ado Ekiti Dual Carriageway
✅ Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway
✅ Federal University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Akure

He stressed that completing these projects would significantly boost economic activities in Ondo and the entire South-West region.

🔹 More Federal Support Needed
Aiyedatiwa also appealed for additional federal backing for critical state projects such as:
✔️ Ondo Deep Sea Port
✔️ Mitigation of Ayetoro sea incursion

The governor assured that the state government would provide an enabling environment for the successful execution of all federal projects.

The event also featured Umahi’s inspection of the 18.4-kilometre Akure/Iju-Itaogbolu road, further underscoring the federal government’s commitment to infrastructure development.