Abuja, Nigeria — October 6, 2025
The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has revealed that the ongoing Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway project costs approximately ₦7.5 billion per kilometer, citing the scale and engineering demands of the project as justification for the figure.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, Umahi explained that the coastal highway — spanning over 700 kilometers — is one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in West Africa, featuring 10 lanes, including a rail corridor, service lanes, and coastal protection systems.
“People must understand the scope. This is not an ordinary road — it’s a coastal superhighway with advanced drainage, reinforced concrete pavement, and shoreline protection. It’s built to last over 50 years,” Umahi stated.
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Project Overview
The highway, designed to connect Lagos with Cross River State, will pass through several key states including Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom — opening new corridors for trade, tourism, and logistics.
According to Umahi, the project is being funded through a public-private partnership (PPP) led by Hitech Construction Company, with the Federal Government providing counterpart funding for key sections.
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Public Reaction
The ₦7.5 billion per kilometer estimate has sparked mixed reactions among Nigerians.
While supporters view the project as a long-term national asset, critics have questioned the cost, citing transparency concerns and economic priorities amid inflation and rising living costs.
Umahi, however, insists that every naira is accounted for, emphasizing that Nigeria “must invest big to build lasting infrastructure.”
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Looking Ahead
The Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway is expected to create thousands of jobs and boost regional connectivity, potentially reshaping Nigeria’s economic landscape upon completion.
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