Civil society organisations, opposition party figures, and economic experts have praised the Federal Government for the progress and quality of work on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, describing it as a transformative infrastructure project with huge economic potential.
The commendations came during a tour of the project in Lagos, where Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, disclosed that the first section of the 750-kilometre road, stretching from Ahmadu Bello Way in Victoria Island to Eleko, would be completed by May 2026. According to him, 35 kilometres have already been delivered, leaving 12 kilometres to complete Section One.
Policy analyst and Peoples Democratic Party chieftain, Otunba Segun Showunmi, said the project reflected the importance of long-term planning and consensus-building in national development.
He urged Nigerians to rise above partisan politics and support infrastructure initiatives that drive economic growth.
“What I have seen today is commendable,” Showunmi said. “Nations like Singapore, India and the UAE achieved progress through consensus on development.
Nigeria must show similar urgency in investing in legacy projects that will transform the economy.”
Financial expert and Chairman of Proshare Group, Olufemi Awoyemi, described the highway as a “test case” for large-scale infrastructure delivery and financing.
He noted that the road would provide an alternative route for cross-country movement and ease congestion.
Leaders of civil society groups who joined the tour also expressed satisfaction.
Declan Ihekaire, speaking on behalf of about 20 CSOs, said Nigerians must be willing to commend government when projects meet expectations. “Ultimately, the people are the beneficiaries of good initiatives,” he said.
Umahi further stressed the durability of the project, highlighting the use of concrete technology which has proven effective in emerging economies like India.
He confirmed that the second section of the highway, from Eleko to Ode-Omi in Ogun State, had commenced.
The minister also addressed concerns over real estate developments affected by the project, saying the Federal Government would involve the EFCC, DSS and CSOs in investigating issues surrounding diaspora investments reportedly worth $200 million.
Beyond the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Umahi listed other legacy projects under the Tinubu administration, including the 477km Trans-Saharan Highway, the 422km Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe Expressway, and the 1,068km Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway.
He maintained that the administration remained committed to building infrastructure as the backbone of economic growth.