The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has announced that construction on the 63-kilometre stretch of the Lagos/Calabar coastal highway within Ondo State will commence in November 2024. This follows the completion of the ongoing design phase, Umahi confirmed during a recent town hall meeting and stakeholder engagement organized by the Federal Ministry of Works.
Describing the highway as a transformative legacy project, Umahi emphasized that the road will not only improve transportation but also drive investments in tourism, housing, industry, and renewable energy, particularly wind energy. He addressed critics of the project, attributing their opposition to misinformation, and reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to delivering the project despite challenges.
The minister highlighted the financial burdens inherited by the Bola Tinubu administration, noting approximately 2,000 road projects valued at N13 trillion and an outstanding debt of N1.6 trillion owed to contractors. He further disclosed that the ministry has terminated over ten contracts with major construction companies due to non-performance, with potential for additional terminations.
“Our books are very much open. We will conclude the design for Ondo State within the month of November and will inaugurate it,” Umahi stated. “We have directed all federal road controllers to provide details of roads within their domains, whether awarded or not, so that by Christmas, all federal highways will be motorable.”
The minister also confirmed plans to commence work on the Aiyetoro project after local elections, stressing that the administration is committed to improving infrastructure across Nigeria. He praised President Tinubu’s support, underscoring the president’s dedication to uplifting all sectors of the economy.
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for prioritizing the coastal highway, noting its significant potential to drive economic growth and improve the lives of Nigerians. He affirmed Ondo State’s commitment to collaborating with the Federal Government and contractors to ensure the project’s success.
“This project will be of huge benefit to us. That is why we are going to cooperate with the Federal Government and the contractors,” Aiyedatiwa said.
The Lagos/Calabar coastal highway, which spans over 700 kilometres, was inaugurated in March 2024 at Victoria Island, Lagos, and runs through Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom before terminating in Cross River State. Expected to take eight years to complete, the highway will enhance connectivity between Nigeria’s South West and South-South regions, promising long-term economic benefits for the states and the nation.
