Minister David Umahi Defends Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Project, Dismisses Critics
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has defended the controversial Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, emphasizing that it is a critical initiative for the development of Nigeria.
Speaking on Thursday during an interactive session with the Senate Committee on Works, Umahi revealed that President Bola Tinubu had reassured the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, about the importance of the project, despite concerns raised by the monarch regarding the impact on his land.
Umahi explained that the Oba of Lagos had expressed concerns over the project affecting his land, but Tinubu assured him that the development was in the national interest. “The President said to the Oba, ‘No, Oba, it is for development.’ So, if the Oba can give his empty land for this project, who else can oppose it?” Umahi said, adding that the land in question was not developed and contained no houses.
He further criticized those opposing the project, stating that they were not even indigenes of Lagos, though he emphasized that this was not a determining factor. “It doesn’t matter who owns the land. We are constructing the road along the contentious direction, and nothing will stop it,” Umahi asserted. He also accused certain individuals, particularly a woman he did not name, of playing politics and creating unnecessary opposition to the project.
Umahi continued to defend President Tinubu, claiming that the criticism of the project stemmed from jealousy and envy of the President’s success. He praised Tinubu’s leadership, asserting that all decisions made by the President had been successful, including the ongoing coastal road initiative. “Tinubu had a vision for this project 25 years ago as a governor, and it is now coming to fruition with divine guidance as President,” Umahi said.
The Minister also pointed out that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway would be a catalyst for the growth of every state in the country, urging critics to fully understand the project’s potential benefits for national development. “When people stop the suspicion and digest the coastal road project very well, they will realize it’s essential for the growth of Nigeria,” he concluded.
