Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Project Genuine, Says Tinubu’s Former Aide

Onoh explained that the project, which spans over 1,100 kilometers, is designed to link nine states along the country’s coastline, including Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River. Upon completion, the highway is expected to improve access to seaports, facilitate trade, and stimulate economic growth in the region. According to him, […]

Onoh explained that the project, which spans over 1,100 kilometers, is designed to link nine states along the country’s coastline, including Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River. Upon completion, the highway is expected to improve access to seaports, facilitate trade, and stimulate economic growth in the region.

According to him, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project has received significant attention in recent times, with some critics questioning its viability and potential impact on the environment.

The former presidential aide, who spoke, emphasized that the project is a genuine effort by the federal government to address the country’s infrastructure deficit and promote regional development.

“The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project is a critical component of President Tinubu’s infrastructure development agenda,” the aide explained.

“The project is designed to provide a safe, efficient, and reliable transportation corridor that will facilitate trade, commerce, and economic growth in the region.”

The project has already received significant funding, with the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) approving a $100 million loan to support its construction. The federal government has also allocated substantial funds for the project, with the Federal Executive Council approving a total investment of ₦1.067 trillion for the first phase.

This is coming despite concerns about the project’s potential environmental impact, the government has assured that adequate measures are being taken to minimize its effects on local communities and the environment. According to the aide, the government is committed to ensuring that the project is executed in a responsible and sustainable manner.

“The government is aware of the potential environmental concerns associated with the project, and we are taking steps to address them,” the aide said. “We are working closely with local communities, environmental groups, and other stakeholders to ensure that the project is executed in a way that minimizes its impact on the environment.”

With the project already underway, the former presidential aide expressed optimism that it will have a transformative impact on the region’s economy and improve the lives of millions of Nigerians.

Dr. Onoh who described the assertion as” unfounded and misleading” stated that ” the statement is not only inaccurate but also a disservice to the Nigerian people, who deserve clarity and truth about the transformative initiatives being undertaken by this administration.
According to him, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is a flagship project of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, designed to revolutionize transportation, boost tourism, and drive economic growth across nine coastal states—Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Edo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River.
“Far from being a “scam,” this 700-kilometer infrastructure project is a meticulously planned endeavor aimed at enhancing connectivity, creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs, and improving access to production and marketing centers for over 30 million Nigerians. The project is projected to contribute up to $12 billion annually to Nigeria’s GDP within its first decade, a testament to its economic significance.
“Contrary to Mr. Lawal’s claims, the Tinubu administration has made tangible progress on this project. On May 31, 2025, President Tinubu commissioned the first 30-kilometer section of the highway, stretching from Ahmadu Bello Way to Eleko Village in the Lekki Peninsula, Lagos. This six-lane dual carriageway, constructed by Hitech Construction Company using durable Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement, demonstrates the administration’s commitment to delivering world-class infrastructure.
” The completion of this phase, within just over a year of the project’s commencement in March 2024, refutes any suggestion of inaction or lack of visible results.”
Dr. Onoh frowned at the assertion that ” the government has no tangible projects to justify its borrowings and described it as “equally baseless.”
” The Federal Government secured a $747 million loan to finance this critical infrastructure, a move that aligns with global best practices of leveraging public-private partnerships (PPPs) and international funding to deliver large-scale projects. The administration has been transparent about the sectional approach to the project’s implementation, with clear plans to commence sections in Akwa Ibom and Cross River States, ensuring balanced regional development. “Furthermore, the government has spent N18 billion compensating affected property owners, demonstrating a commitment to fairness and compliance with legal standards.
Beyond the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, President Tinubu’s administration has commissioned and flagged off numerous infrastructure projects across Nigeria, including the rehabilitation of the Calabar-Ugep-Katsina-Ala Road, the dualisation of the East-West Road in Rivers State, and the reconstruction of the Enugu-Port Harcourt Road.
“These projects, among others, are clear evidence of the administration’s dedication to addressing Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit and fostering economic growth nationwide. It is also worth noting that Mr. Lawal’s criticisms appear to be politically motivated, given his recent defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and his alignment with an opposition coalition seeking to unseat President Tinubu in 2027.
” His remarks lack objectivity and fail to acknowledge the broader context of the administration’s efforts to rebuild Nigeria’s economy amidst inherited challenges.
“The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is not a standalone project but part of a broader vision that includes the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, the Trans-Sahara Trade Route, and other legacy projects aimed at enhancing national connectivity and economic integration.”
He further stated that President Tinubu has consistently emphasized transparency, due process, and adherence to local content laws in the execution of these projects. “The Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi, has been commended for his diligence and for ensuring that contractors like Hitech Construction adhere to high standards while prioritizing Nigerian empowerment and technology transfer. Claims of a “scam” are not only inflammatory but also an attempt to undermine the confidence of Nigerians in a project that has already garnered support from state governors, traditional leaders, and communities along the coastal corridor.
“I urge Nigerians to disregard Mr. Lawal’s baseless allegations and focus on the tangible benefits of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, which include reduced travel costs, enhanced interstate commerce, and significant job creation. The Tinubu administration remains committed to delivering on its promises and building a prosperous Nigeria for all.
“Rather than casting aspersions, we invite constructive dialogue and support from all stakeholders to ensure the success of this transformative project and other ongoing initiatives.”