Nigeria’s Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, says President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is building one of the most transparent and ambitious road projects in the nation’s history, declaring that the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway has “nothing to hide” and is being executed with strict supervision, detailed cost disclosure and full involvement of anti-corruption agencies.
Speaking at the temporary opening of Section 1 (47.47km) of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway on Friday, Umahi said the project is one of President Tinubu’s four legacy infrastructure programmes and has already exceeded early milestones.
“This is one of Mr President’s legacy projects. Section 1 in Lagos is now temporarily opened. It has street lights, reinforced concrete pavement, CCTV, emergency response points — we have nothing to hide.”
Umahi said the Federal Government had voluntarily opened all documentation to the country’s anti-graft agencies.
“We invited ICPC and EFCC to go through all the projects, including the Hitech projects across the country. They should audit, verify and make their report. That is the first step. It shows the transparent nature of Mr President’s administration.”
He added that he is ready to provide full cost breakdowns at any time:
“Anytime you contact me, I will give you the cost of the project — from the drawings to the bill of quantities and the cost of each item. I challenge anyone to question the cost.”
The minister said Section 1 — from Ahmadu Bello Way to Eleko Village — has been constructed using reinforced concrete pavement to guarantee longevity.
“We do not want settlement or failure in future. That is why the standard is reinforced concrete. We have completed over 30 kilometres already, with diversions carefully managed to keep motorists safe.”
He urged drivers to be cautious during the temporary opening:
“Once the road is opened, motorists must exercise caution. Do not speed. We must secure workers, road users and the entire corridor.”
Umahi confirmed that engineering work on Section 2 of the Coastal Highway is far advanced.
“We have achieved about 13 kilometres of concrete laying and more than 35 kilometres of sand-filling. That section should be completed by December 2026.
“We have cleared almost the entire length except for 6–7 kilometres of swamp. We are working to finish major filling before the rainy season.
“Work has started with clearing and will proceed immediately to filling and culverts to establish proper drainage.”
Umahi said President Tinubu has released counterpart funds for major highway projects and ensured that contractors remain on site.
“Mr President has released the counterpart fund. Over 60% of this section has been cashed out. Contractors are fully mobilised. No contractor will be abandoned.”
He added:“Please, my contractors, trust us and go back to work. It was never intentional that payments were delayed. We have submitted a full funding plan to the Vice President and the President has approved action.”
The Minister listed several priority corridors now under construction with presidential backing:
The projects include the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Expressway, Second Niger Bridge link roads (Onitsha and Asaba bypasses), East–West Road Sections 1–4, Enugu–Onitsha and Enugu–Port Harcourt dualisations, the Lokoja–Benin Road, various road projects across the South-East, the 50km Lagos Elevated Highway, and the 194km Sokoto–Badagry Highway, which is planned for Chinese financing.
“We are taking our roads back. Every section is working. You will see the achievements of Mr President.”
Umahi warned state governments and security agencies to enforce order on federal highways.
“In Port Harcourt, roads have been converted into trading grounds. In Lagos, trucks are parking on bridges. Federal roads are for dynamic movement, not markets or parking.”
“It is your responsibility to clear our roads. If you don’t, I will explain every matter clearly on national television.”
Umahi thanked security agencies, engineers and state governors for supporting the project:
“When it was impossible, you helped us to make it possible. Nigeria will be a great country.”
He concluded by reaffirming President Tinubu’s vision:
“Every section of this highway is connected to the President’s vision. We are delivering it with full transparency and nothing to hide.”
Boluwatife Enome
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