Minister Umahi Defends Lagos-Calabar Highway Project Amid Criticism

Minister of Works David Umahi defended the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project at a press conference, asserting that due process was followed in its procurement. He dismissed allegations from Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe as attacks on his integrity, stating that all statutory requirements, including an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), were met.

Umahi noted that the project, which is 85% complete, attracted international investors with offers to refund its costs in exchange for tolling rights. The federal government funds 30% of the project, with 70% sourced from international financiers.

He highlighted the renewed federal presence in the South-East under President Bola Tinubu, citing various infrastructure projects in the region. Umahi also announced the establishment of an army training depot in Ebonyi State to address regional insecurity and claimed that ongoing infrastructure development has diminished the rationale for separatist agitation.