Nigeria Minister of Works, David Umahi, engaged in a tense live debate with Arise TV anchor Rufai Oseni on Tuesday over the costs of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, a flagship infrastructure plan under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The discussion focused on the project’s reported N15 trillion cost and the transparency of its funding, including a N700 billion loan from the Netherlands. Oseni pressed Umahi for details on the per-kilometer costs and how public funds are being used. Umahi, however, dismissed the questions, calling them “ignorant” and arguing that differences in terrain and unused foreign loans explained variations in costs.
The argument marked the second public clash between the minister and the anchor, highlighting growing scrutiny of Nigeria’s ambitious highway plan. The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is intended to improve connectivity across southern Nigeria, linking major ports, cities, and industrial hubs.
‘Terrain Matters,’ Minister Says
During the live broadcast, Umahi said, “You cannot compare costs kilometer by kilometer without understanding the terrain. Some sections cross rivers, mountains, and wetlands. Costs naturally vary.” He also noted that portions of the foreign loans allocated to the project remain unused, which affects overall expenditure calculations.
Oseni, known for his rigorous questioning style, pushed back, saying taxpayers deserve clear answers about how their money is spent. “We need real evidence of expenses,” he said. “People want accountability. You cannot dismiss questions on costs as ignorance.”
Public Scrutiny Grows
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, planned to run along Nigeria’s southern coast, has been hailed as a transformative project that could boost trade and ease transport congestion. Yet, it has also drawn criticism over its high cost and delays in funding disclosures.
Experts say transparency is key to maintaining public trust in large-scale infrastructure projects. “When you’re dealing with trillions of naira of public money, Nigerians have a right to see detailed reports,” said Chike Obi, a Lagos-based infrastructure analyst. “Questions about per-kilometer costs and foreign loans are legitimate.”
Political Implications
Observers note that the confrontation between Umahi and Oseni is also politically significant. The government under President Tinubu has been promoting major infrastructure as a central part of its agenda. Public disagreements over project costs, however, risk raising doubts about management and planning.
Umahi, a former governor of Ebonyi State, has defended the project as essential for national development. “This highway is not just concrete and asphalt. It’s about connecting people, creating jobs, and boosting commerce,” he said.
Calls for Transparency
Civil society groups have called for more openness regarding the project. Some suggest a publicly available breakdown of all expenses and loans, arguing that detailed reporting could prevent misinformation and build confidence among Nigerians.
Despite the heated exchange, officials maintain that the project continues according to plan, with construction progressing in phases along the 1,600-kilometer route. Funding is a combination of government allocation and foreign loans, with environmental and engineering considerations adding complexity to cost estimates.
As Nigeria watches the project unfold, the debate between Umahi and Oseni reflects a larger public demand for accountability and clarity in government spending. For many, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway symbolizes both progress and the need for transparent governance.
