Federal Government Plans to Construct Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway at N4 Billion Per Kilometer – Minister

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has shed light on the cost of constructing the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway, clarifying that it will be undertaken by the government for N4 billion per kilometer, not the N8 billion per km as previously claimed by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

Umahi emphasized that the entire project, spanning approximately 700 kilometers, will be completed with a total cost of N2.8 trillion.

Addressing concerns about the discrepancy in cost estimations, Umahi provided detailed insights into the design and specifications of the highway project. He highlighted that the original design, put forth by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), envisioned a roadway with two carriageways on each side, totaling four lanes, without provision for a train track. However, the current project differs significantly, featuring a total of 10 lanes, including shoulders, and incorporating a train track component.

Umahi explained, “When you run the figures, you now find out that under his calculation, it is giving you about over N19 billion per kilometer. Now if you divide it by the 23 kilometers that they are doing, it is about 2.225 times a standard superhighway carriageway, which is N11.55 billion. Whereas what we are doing, if you divide it, you get N5.167 billion.”

He further elaborated that the cost estimation for the government’s project, utilizing concrete for durability in the coastal terrain, amounts to N4 billion per kilometer. In contrast, the flexible pavement option, which was quoted by the former vice president, would incur a higher cost despite being less suitable for the coastal route.

Umahi’s clarification aims to dispel misconceptions and provide transparency regarding the financial aspects of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project. The government remains committed to delivering critical infrastructure projects while ensuring prudent use of resources.

As discussions continue on the future of Nigeria’s transportation infrastructure, the accurate understanding of project costs and specifications is paramount for informed decision-making and effective governance.