Dave Umahi
Picnews
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Minister of Works David Umahi are engaged in a heated dispute over the cost of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project. The controversy began when Makinde criticized Umahi for evading questions about the project’s cost per kilometer, suggesting that the minister’s response was evasive and lacked transparency.
According to Makinde, the minister’s inability to provide a clear breakdown of the cost is concerning, especially given the large sum of money involved in the project. He cited examples of road projects in Oyo State, such as the Oyo-Iseyin road, which cost ₦9.99 billion for 35 kilometers, and the Iseyin-Ogbomoso road, which cost ₦43 billion for 76 kilometers, including two bridges.
Umahi responded by accusing Makinde of lacking technical knowledge about road construction and costing. The minister explained that the cost per kilometer can vary depending on the terrain, materials used, and other factors, making it difficult to provide a single cost per kilometer for the entire project. He emphasized that the project’s cost was computed in line with international engineering standards and that the highway’s life expectancy is estimated to exceed 50 years with minimal maintenance.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project spans over 700 kilometers across nine states, with additional spurs connecting northern routes. The project is being handled by Hitech Construction Company Limited, and its first phase covers 47.47 kilometers of dual carriageway. Umahi has challenged Makinde to a public debate over the project’s cost, saying the governor should withdraw his statement that the minister is “dancing around” the cost or be prepared to defend his position.
The controversy highlights the need for transparency and accountability in government projects, particularly large-scale infrastructure initiatives like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. The project’s cost and execution process have been subjects of public debate, with many Nigerians calling for greater openness and clarity from the government.
