Umahi Defends Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Project Amid Criticism

The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has strongly defended the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, dismissing criticisms of the project as unpatriotic. In a statement conveyed by his Special Adviser (Media), Orji Uchenna Orji, Umahi described the negative sentiments expressed by some politicians and critics as "baseless thoughts" of individuals who either lack understanding of the project's dynamics or are intent on undermining the government's developmental initiatives.

Umahi explained that the coastal highway project is being funded through an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction plus Financing (EPC+F) mechanism, where the contractors arrange the financing and the government provides counterpart funding. He emphasized that this type of funding arrangement is beneficial as it allows for the participation of the private sector in road infrastructure development while requiring minimal initial expenditure from the federal government.

The minister highlighted the Tinubu administration's proactive efforts in tackling the backlog of uncompleted road projects across the country, with the 2023 Supplementary Budget and the 2024 Appropriation providing funds for capital investment in critical roads. Umahi praised his own track record in road infrastructure development and asserted that the coastal highway project will foster national economic growth and connectivity by improving linkages between the north and south of Nigeria.

However, the project has faced criticism from various quarters. Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential flag bearer of the Labour Party, argued that the timing is wrong and the project is not a priority. Obi suggested that the government should instead focus on fixing the numerous abandoned and dilapidated roads across the country, listing several critical road projects in various geopolitical zones that have been under construction for years and are unlikely to be completed soon due to poor funding.

Why this matters: The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project has become a contentious issue, with supporters touting its potential to boost economic growth and critics questioning its prioritization and feasibility. The debate highlights the challenges of balancing infrastructure development with fiscal constraints and competing demands in a developing nation.

As part of the project's implementation, Umahi has constituted a 19-member committee to review the report on the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and compensation for section 1 of the coastal highway. The committee will interface with stakeholders and property owners affected by the project to verify and authenticate the list of those entitled to receive compensation from the federal government, using federal rates.

Key Takeaways

• Minister Umahi defends Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, dismissing criticisms as unpatriotic.
• Project funded through EPC+F mechanism, allowing private sector participation with minimal govt. expenditure.
• Tinubu admin. providing funds for critical road projects through 2023 Supplementary and 2024 Budgets.
• Obi criticizes project's timing and prioritization, suggests focusing on fixing abandoned/dilapidated roads.
• Umahi forms 19-member committee to review ESIA, compensation for project's section 1 implementation.