Nigeria’s Minister of Works, David Umahi, has defended the reported ₦7.5 billion per kilometer cost of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, insisting that the figure reflects the project’s quality and unique features.
Speaking during an inspection on Sunday, Umahi said the amount covers “solar lighting, retaining walls, flyovers, and shoreline protection,” adding that his “integrity is at stake” over the project’s transparency.
“My integrity is at stake. We will not allow anybody to tarnish my image,” Umahi stated, responding to the increasing public criticism over the project’s cost and execution.
This occurred shortly after a heated exchange between Umahi and Arise TV anchor, Rufai Oseni, during a live interview on The Morning Show. The minister had clashed with the journalist after being questioned about the details of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway cost and progress. Umahi had previously avoided disclosing the project’s costs, leading to public backlash and demands for accountability.
Public Reactions on X
Nigerians have since flooded X (formerly Twitter) with strong opinions, questioning both the cost and the timing of Umahi’s response.
User @AmosSoma37877 wrote: “The way they break down these figures with confidence will make you think Nigeria is floating on gold. Every kilometer now sounds like a mini Dubai project, filled with solar lights and palm trees, yet we all know how it ends — rain falls once and half of the road disappears.”
@eteobong_edem1 added: “Why was he being defensive when Rufai Oseni asked him the same question? Now he’s talking about integrity. We need to hold these guys accountable.”
Some, however, defended Umahi’s clarification, citing varying terrain and construction challenges.
@mannylams explained: “He’s talking about a standard coastal road. The cost varies for the Lagos-Calabar route because of swampy areas, bridges, boulders, and demolitions.”
Others maintained that Oseni’s questioning had pressured the minister into revealing the cost. @OkaforC7 noted: “This is proof that challenging these politicians yields results. So what was the big deal in spelling out the figures as asked by rufai. We need to start asking more questions. Even if they see it as an insult, they’ll definitely answer.”
Meanwhile, @MizCazorla1 criticized Umahi’s tone during the earlier interview: “If Dave Umahi knows the answer as a professor in practice all these while. Why was he dilly dallying in answering Rufai during the interview? What’s all the arrogance for in the first place? It took Gov. Seyi Makinde to make a statement before he came up with a figure. SMH.”
Although Umahi’s explanation has shed some light on the project’s cost, many Nigerians remain skeptical and have renewed calls for cooperation and mutual respect between public officials and the media when handling issues involving public funds.
