By Jabiru Hassan
The Minister of Works, Sen. (Engr.) David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, has reiterated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Legacy Projects in the road sector are being implemented across all six geopolitical zones of the federation.
He reaffirmed this during a continuous stakeholders’ engagement on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, held on Sunday, February 23, 2025, in Lagos, following a four-day working visit to road project sites in some South-Western states.
According to Engr. Umahi, the ongoing 750-kilometre Coastal Highway Legacy Project begins in Victoria Island, Lagos, and extends to Calabar, Cross River State, with spurs in Ondo and Cross River States. He emphasized that the project traverses the South-West, South-South, and South-East zones of Nigeria.
Another key project is the Abakaliki-Abuja Highway, which commences in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, in the South-East and extends through several towns and villages in the North-Central zone, terminating in Apo, Abuja, within the Federal Capital Territory.
Similarly, the Ilelah (Sokoto)-Badagry (Lagos) Highway runs from the North-West down to the South-West zones, while a fourth highway is planned to begin in Akwanga, Nasarawa State, and extend through Jos, Plateau State, in the North-Central, passing through Bauchi before reaching Gombe, in the North-East.
Umahi commended President Tinubu for his visionary leadership in initiating these ambitious infrastructure projects, stating that they are not merely road and bridge constructions but significant investments in Nigeria’s collective future.
“These Legacy Projects should be welcomed and encouraged by all Nigerians for their economic benefits rather than being politicized,” he urged.
The minister, who used the forum to update Nigerians on ongoing infrastructure projects, assured that these developments reflect the president’s commitment to all geopolitical zones. He further revealed that some completed sections of the projects would be commissioned in May 2025.
Earlier, in her welcome address, the Federal Controller of Works, Lagos State, Engr. Kesha Olukorede, emphasized that the engagement with stakeholders along the Lagos-Calabar corridor would continue until all concerns are addressed. She noted that the forum serves as an avenue to gauge public sentiment regarding the massive project.
She commended the minister for his proactive approach in addressing the concerns of affected communities and individuals while also appreciating their cooperation with the contractors.
Speaking at the meeting, the Director of Highways, Bridges, and Design, Engr. Bede Obiora, explained that the purpose of the gathering was to engage stakeholders—both individuals and groups—affected by the construction of the 103-kilometre alignment within Lagos State.
During the question-and-answer session, the Oba of Oduomi, Oba Adeleke Akimi Ismailla, along with community members, elders, Hon. Samson Adekunle, the community’s representative in the National Assembly, and the Local Government Chairman of Ibeju Lekki, expressed appreciation for the project. However, they voiced concerns over rumors suggesting that a revised design might exclude their community.
In response, Umahi confirmed that such a proposal had been considered but has since been abandoned, assuring that the project would proceed according to the original plan.
Regarding concerns about land, buildings, utilities, and schools affected by the construction, the minister assured that compensation would be provided for properties but not for land, in accordance with legal provisions.
“We will not demolish any property without paying for it. Compensation will be paid for properties, not land, as stipulated by law,” Umahi clarified. He also confirmed that cable ducts would be installed to prevent damage to underground utilities.
Additionally, he announced that the Federal Government had already disbursed 100% compensation to affected persons along Phase I, Section I, and directed the establishment of a secretariat to handle compensation claims for Phase I, Section II.
