Nigeria's Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has proclaimed the ambitious Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project as a beacon of openness under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration.
Speaking at the ceremonial temporary opening of its first 47.47-kilometer section on Friday, Umahi extended an open invitation to the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to conduct a thorough audit of every expenditure, showing the government's commitment to unassailable integrity.
"This is one of Mr. President’s legacy projects," Umahi declared, highlighting the highway's role among Tinubu's four cornerstone infrastructure initiatives. The newly accessible stretch, running from Ahmadu Bello Way to Eleko Village in Lagos, boasts state-of-the-art features including street lights, reinforced concrete pavement for enduring durability, CCTV surveillance, and dedicated emergency response points.
"We have nothing to hide," he emphasized, noting that over 30 kilometers have already been completed with meticulous safety measures, such as managed diversions to protect motorists.
Umahi detailed the project's rapid progress, revealing that all documentation has been proactively submitted to the nation's anti-corruption watchdogs. "We invited ICPC and EFCC to go through all the projects, including the Hitech projects across the country.
They should audit, verify, and make their report," he stated. This proactive stance, he added, exemplifies the "transparent nature of Mr. President’s administration."
The minister went further, pledging immediate access to granular financial details: "Anytime you contact me, I will give you the cost of the project, from the drawings to the bill of quantities and the cost of each item. I challenge anyone to question the cost."
As work accelerates, Section 2 of the highway is advancing swiftly, with 13 kilometers of concrete already laid and more than 35 kilometers of sand-filling completed.
Umahi projected full completion by December 2026, with ongoing efforts to clear the remaining 6-7 kilometers of swampy terrain and install essential culverts for optimal drainage.
"We have cleared almost the entire length... We are working to finish major filling before the rainy season," he said. President Tinubu's support has been pivotal, with counterpart funds released over 60% of Section 1 already disbursed, ensuring contractors remain fully mobilized without risk of abandonment.
Umahi urged drivers to prioritize safety during this transitional phase: "Once the road is opened, motorists must exercise caution. Do not speed. We must secure workers, road users, and the entire corridor."
He also took the opportunity to rally contractors, addressing past payment delays: "Please, my contractors, trust us and go back to work. It was never intentional... We have submitted a full funding plan to the Vice President, and the President has approved action."
In closing, Umahi expressed gratitude to security forces, engineers, and state governors for their collaboration. "When it was impossible, you helped us to make it possible. Nigeria will be a great country," he remarked. Reiterating the project's ethos, he concluded: "Every section of this highway is connected to the President’s vision. We are delivering it with full transparency and nothing to hide."
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