In April 2025, the Nigerian government celebrated the commissioning of a 30-kilometer stretch of the ambitious Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, a project envisioned to span approximately 700 kilometers, connecting Lagos to Calabar. This event was marked with significant fanfare, attended by high-ranking officials and stakeholders. However, the ceremony has sparked a wave of criticism and skepticism among citizens and experts alike, questioning the project’s transparency, funding, and actual progress.
A Grand Vision with a Controversial Start
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is designed to enhance connectivity along Nigeria’s coastline, promoting trade, tourism, and economic integration across several states, including Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River. The project’s scope includes a dual carriageway with service lanes and a central rail line, aiming to modernize transportation infrastructure in the region.
Despite its potential benefits, the project’s inception has been marred by controversies, particularly concerning its awarding process and financial transparency. The contract was granted to Hitech Construction Company Ltd, owned by Gilbert Chagoury, a known associate of President Bola Tinubu. This association has raised concerns about nepotism and the lack of a competitive bidding process, which is a standard requirement for such significant public projects.
Financial Ambiguities and Shifting Narratives
Initially presented as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with no expected burden on public funds, the project’s funding structure has undergone notable changes. In February 2024, the Federal Executive Council approved a budget of N1.334 trillion for the project, signaling a shift from the original PPP model to substantial government financing.
Further complicating matters, the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, announced that the project’s total cost would be approximately N15 trillion, equating to about N4 billion per kilometer. This figure has been met with skepticism, especially when compared to similar infrastructure projects globally, where costs per kilometer are significantly lower.
Progress Reports and Public Perception
Minister Umahi’s statements regarding the project’s progress have also been a source of confusion. In May 2025, he claimed that “more than 70 per cent of the entire project had been done,” suggesting a rapid advancement. However, he later clarified that this percentage referred specifically to Section One of the project, a 47.47-kilometer stretch, not the entire 700 kilometers.
This clarification has led to public skepticism, with critics arguing that celebrating the completion of a mere fraction of the project is premature and potentially misleading. Dr. Uche Diala, a vocal critic, questioned the rationale behind such early celebrations, suggesting that they serve more as political propaganda than genuine milestones.
Environmental and Social Concerns
Beyond financial and administrative issues, the project’s environmental and social impacts have also come under scrutiny. The highway’s proposed route cuts through sensitive ecological zones, including wetlands and mangroves, raising concerns about potential environmental degradation. Reports indicate that necessary environmental impact assessments were either insufficient or bypassed altogether.
Moreover, the construction has led to the demolition of homes and businesses, notably affecting areas like Landmark Leisure Beach. While some demolitions occurred on government-designated right-of-way lands, the sudden nature of these actions has disrupted livelihoods and fueled public outcry.
Calls for Transparency and Accountability
The combination of financial ambiguities, environmental concerns, and perceived administrative lapses has led to widespread calls for greater transparency and accountability. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar labeled the project a “highway to fraud,” criticizing the lack of due process and the project’s exorbitant costs.
Civil society organizations and concerned citizens have echoed these sentiments, urging the government to adhere strictly to procurement laws and ensure that infrastructure projects serve the public interest without undue political or personal influence.
A Cautionary Tale
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, while ambitious in its vision, serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of transparency, due process, and public engagement in large-scale infrastructure developments. As Nigeria continues to pursue infrastructural growth, it is imperative that such projects are executed with integrity, environmental consciousness, and a genuine commitment to public welfare.
The early commissioning of a small segment of the highway, amidst unresolved controversies, underscores the need for vigilance and active civic participation to ensure that national projects truly benefit the populace and uphold democratic principles.
