The Honorable Minister of Works, Senator Engineer David Umahi, CON, has clarified issues arising from the opinion of former Cross River State Governor, Donald Duke, who suggested that the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway might not extend beyond Epe. Umahi stated that the project has already passed the Epe area and is progressing appropriately across several states.
Speaking during an inspection of Section 4B of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway in Ondo State on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, the Minister explained that this major infrastructure project of the Renewed Hope administration, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is making significant progress. He said the project is creating thousands of jobs, enhancing security, and opening new opportunities for business, agriculture, and education.
Recalling Donald Duke's comments on the project, Umahi said the physical evidence at the construction sites has already answered any doubts.
"Therefore, the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway has already begun. We have already passed Lagos—what my brother Donald Duke spoke about."
The Minister stated that the project is progressing simultaneously in different states.
"We are also continuing work in Ogun, 28 kilometers; we are progressing in Ondo, 52 kilometers, all of which are dual carriageways. We have already started work in Calabar, 27 kilometers, and the first section of Akwa Ibom is approximately 47 kilometers. These projects are over 60% completed. We are also working on the longest section of this Lagos–Calabar highway, which is in Akwa Ibom—180 kilometers of dual carriageway."
Umahi emphasized that the Coastal Highway is not merely about connecting communities but is aimed at transforming people's lives through job creation, improved security, and economic growth.
"Roads are sources of employment. We have counted over one thousand people on this section employed by HITECH. It creates direct and indirect jobs. It also helps address insecurity. Wherever we are working, there are many security personnel working with us on this road. We also have local people helping; they have vigilantes and local security officers. So the project is helping. It also opens up many opportunities for business, agriculture, and education."
The Minister stated that meaningful criticism is welcome, provided it is offered along with constructive ways to improve matters.
"So, if you want to criticize us, I say, criticize us in a helpful way, and also suggest some alternative approaches."
Umahi further stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is fully determined to ensure the completion of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, expressing confidence that the project will be finished.
"As President Bola Tinubu has said, he declared that this project will be completed. And by the grace of God, it will be completed."
The Minister called on the people of the Niger Delta to support the project and protect it, describing it as a crucial endeavor that will transform the region's economic fortunes.
"It is now up to the people of the Niger Delta to come out and protect these projects. Certainly, they should protect the project. They should protect the president. They must choose the president to complete this project."
Umahi said those opposed to the Coastal Highway do not represent the interests of the Niger Delta people.
"Those attacking the Coastal Highway do not love the people of the Niger Delta."
The Minister described the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway as one of the most efficient, credible, and cost-effective infrastructure projects ever undertaken in the country.
"This project is the most efficient and cost-effective project I have ever seen. When officials from Deutsche Bank came to finance the first section, they said the construction quality was excellent. They said the project design was also excellent, but that the procurement process and pricing were estimated below what was appropriate. That is why when it was placed on the market, there was demand exceeding supply by 100 million US dollars. And that is a source of pride for us as the Ministry of Works."
Responding to concerns that the road alignment was changed to benefit certain private properties or lands, Umahi explained that the rerouting was based solely on engineering and economic considerations.
He explained that the originally planned coastal route encountered areas where the depth of soft soil reached 50 meters, making construction extremely challenging from an engineering perspective and prohibitively expensive.
He added that the original route would have required building bridges across three major ocean inlets, each approximately 3.5 kilometers long, which would have significantly increased the project's cost.
He said the new road alignment followed President Tinubu's directive to ensure the project remains feasible without compromising its quality.
"This happened because the president wants the Ministry of Works to do everything possible to reduce the number of major oceans, large water bodies, and rivers to be crossed. So we had to design the road based on the president's directive that this project must be realized."
The Minister highly commended HITECH Construction Company for its expertise, quality of work, and excellent relationship with host communities. He described the company as a reliable partner in ensuring the project's success.
"We greatly appreciate HITECH's dedication, cooperation, good spirit, quality work, and excellent community relations. No matter what any envious or jealous person may say, you are our partners."
Looking to the future, Umahi expressed confidence that President Tinubu's infrastructure agenda will leave a lasting legacy for future generations of Nigerians.
"And under President Bola Tinubu, this country will be rebuilt. Every road he builds, for the next hundred years, will require no reconstruction."
Francis Nwaze, FIPMD
Special Assistant on Media to the Honorable Minister of Works
August 6, 2026