Minister of Works defends Lagos-Calabar highway for ₦7.5 billion per kilometer

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has defended the ₦7.5 billion per kilometer price tag for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, arguing that the ₦1.067 trillion allocated for the initial 47.47-kilometer stretch is reasonable and even below international standards.

In a recent press conference, Umahi elaborated that the expenses are a result of the project’s intricate design, which includes a six-lane reinforced concrete expressway, flyovers, underpasses, shoreline protection, solar lighting, and landscaping.

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‘A typical coastal road costs ₦7.5 billion per kilometer,’ Umahi mentioned. ‘This figure encompasses all necessary fillings, shoreline protections, solar streetlights, and tree planting.’

According to him, the figure was derived by dividing the total ₦1.067 trillion cost by the road length and adjusting it to a standard two-lane federal highway. “When you divide ₦1.067 trillion by 47.47 kilometers and then by two lanes, it gives ₦7.5 billion per kilometer of a standard road,” he explained.

Umahi noted that the cost also factors in difficult terrain and extensive groundwork. He disclosed that engineers encountered pits as deep as 20 meters along parts of the route, which had to be excavated and refilled in layers before concrete laying could begin.

Comparing the current project to older asphalt-based roads, the minister argued that the use of reinforced concrete ensures greater durability and long-term value for money.

He also revealed that international financial institutions, including a Dutch-led consortium, reviewed the project and found it to be “undervalued.” Umahi added that the 70% loan portion of the project was oversubscribed by $100 million, reflecting global confidence in its feasibility.

Defending the government’s transparency, Umahi challenged critics to be factual in their assessments. “If international lenders can back this project, we are ready to face anyone. But when criticising, be objective and tell the public the truth,” he stated.