Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu will complete the 700-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as scheduled, dismissing criticisms surrounding the project.
Umahi gave the assurance during an inspection of ongoing construction at the Ondo section of the highway in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
Addressing journalists, the minister said significant progress had been recorded across different sections of the road. He disclosed that Section One, spanning 7.47 kilometres from Victoria Island to Elepe Village in Lagos, had been completed.
According to him, Section Two, a 50-kilometre stretch linking Lagos to the Ogun border, is about 70 per cent complete, while Sections 3A and 3B, covering approximately 67 kilometres, have reached about 30 per cent completion.
Umahi said Section Four, extending about 82 kilometres from Ogun into Ondo State, is progressing steadily, adding that President Tinubu remains committed to ensuring the project’s completion.
He also revealed that Section Five, a 180-kilometre stretch in Akwa Ibom State, is currently under construction and is expected to be the longest segment of the coastal highway.
The minister added that another 100-kilometre section beginning from the end of the Ondo axis is presently at the design stage, noting that only the portions passing through Rivers, Bayelsa and Delta states would remain after that.
Responding to recent criticisms of the project, Umahi specifically addressed comments made by former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke, whom he described as “a brilliant man” and “a perfect gentleman” for expressing his views without resorting to insults.
However, he disagreed with Duke’s claim that the coastal highway would not extend beyond Epe and that the project was not a priority.
According to Umahi, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway has been conceived for many years but was repeatedly stalled by funding challenges and other constraints until the current administration.
He argued that many of those criticising the project never believed President Tinubu could execute it.
“Those attacking the Coastal Highway are, in my view, motivated by envy because they never believed this President could deliver it,” he said.
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Referring to Tinubu’s role in the land reclamation that transformed Victoria Island’s Atlantic coastline, Umahi said the President had already demonstrated his ability to deliver ambitious infrastructure projects.
The minister also dismissed allegations by the Secretary-General of Afenifere that the highway’s alignment was diverted inland to favour owners of private estates.
He explained that the original design followed the coastline but had to be adjusted after engineering investigations revealed unsuitable ground conditions.
According to him, geotechnical studies found peat deposits extending between 40 and 50 metres deep along parts of the original route, making construction impractical.
Umahi noted that while peat soil was also encountered in Sections One and Two in Lagos, it was only about 20 metres deep and could be managed. However, removing and replacing peat deposits of up to 50 metres would have posed major engineering and cost challenges.
He added that investigations also showed that the sand expected from the sea was unsuitable for the project, making a redesign necessary.
The minister commended the construction company for what he described as its diligent work and positive impact on host communities, expressing confidence that the contractor would deliver a quality project. (NAN)
