Umahi Insists Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Not Abandoned Amid Atiku’s $20bn Loan Allegation

Minister of Works David Umahi has maintained that the 750-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway remains under construction, dismissing concerns over the rerouting of some sections of the multibillion-dollar project. He also disclosed that the Federal Government had sought President Bola Tinubu’s approval to incorporate 400 kilometres of the East-West Road into the coastal corridor.

Umahi spoke to journalists on Tuesday after meeting with Tinubu at the State House in Abuja. He said construction was progressing on several sections, while surveyors and designers were working on the remaining stretches through Edo, Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers states.

The minister’s clarification followed criticism from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who questioned the changes to the highway’s alignment and demanded the publication of the original contract, revised designs, payments to contractors and the financial implications of the adjustments. Atiku also alleged that the government might seek a $20 billion loan linked to the project and payments to Hitech Construction Company, which is handling some sections.

Umahi said the coastal highway’s overall route remained intact, arguing that the changes were driven by engineering considerations rather than an abandonment of the project. He explained that the proposed integration of the East-West Road, which runs from Edo through the Niger Delta to Akwa Ibom and Cross River states, was intended to improve connectivity and address persistent flooding on parts of the existing road network.

The minister cited flooding around Agbarho in Delta State and similar challenges in Edo as examples of the problems facing the current roads. He said some sections had been constructed below flood levels, creating recurring difficulties for motorists and communities. According to him, the government wanted a more durable transport corridor rather than continuing to contend with repeated flood damage.

Providing an update on construction, Umahi said work was progressing on the 47.47-kilometre first section in Lagos, while the 55-kilometre second section was expected to be ready by mid-November 2026. He added that sections 3A and 3B, covering about 70.5 kilometres across the Niger Delta, were ongoing, while work in Cross River and Akwa Ibom had exceeded 40 per cent completion. He also reported progress on sections 4A and 4B along the Ogun-Ondo axis, while the 62.5-kilometre fifth section in Akwa Ibom had passed 20 per cent completion.

Explaining the rerouting of sections 4A and 4B, Umahi said the original alignment presented significant engineering difficulties that could have increased construction costs. He stated that parts of the proposed route passed through pits more than 100 metres deep, while suitable sharp sand was unavailable even at depths of up to 300 metres. He said the government therefore approved a detour and redesign to avoid the difficult terrain, adding that filling works involving more than 10 metres of sharp sand were almost complete.

Atiku, however, argued that the changes raised questions about the project’s initial planning, cost and financing. In a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, he demanded the release of the original feasibility studies, environmental assessments, route maps, revised designs, bills of quantities, contract variations, procurement approvals and payment certificates. He also called for clarification on the alleged $20 billion loan proposal, including its terms, intended beneficiaries and whether any funds would go to Hitech. Atiku further alleged that some lawmakers had faced threats over the anticipated borrowing, urging the National Assembly leadership to investigate. The supplied report did not include an independent confirmation of the alleged loan request or the claims involving lawmakers.