By Brenda Chidinma Imo-Eze
Minister of Works, David Umahi, has urged people of the Niger Delta to rise and defend the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, alleging that there is a “calculated intention” to prevent the oil-producing region from benefiting from the project.
Umahi spoke during an inspection of the Calabar-Ebonyi-Benue-Nasarawa-Abuja Trans-Sahara Highway, where he commended InfoQuest International for the pace and quality of work.
He said Section One of the project, linking Calabar through Ebonyi to the North, was about 45 per cent complete, with over 2,000 workers engaged.
According to him, the project is designed to open up the Southeast to greater economic opportunities, improve security and strengthen inter-state connectivity.
Turning to the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Umahi said the project would bring major economic benefits to the Niger Delta, but warned against efforts to frustrate it.
“I think there is a calculated intention for the Niger Delta where we produce the oil not to benefit. I ask them to rise up and defend this project,” he said.
The minister said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was committed to completing the project and urged Niger Delta stakeholders to support it.
“The President has great commitment and intention to complete it,” Umahi said, stressing that the highway would boost security, commerce and job creation along the coastal corridor.
He also defended the project’s procurement, saying it followed due process and that special procurement was approved because of the difficult coastal terrain and risk of ocean surge.
“We are passing along the coast. We are going to be confronted with ocean surge. And it came to pass at Chainage 13… where over five kilometres of that road was threatened by ocean surge,” he explained.
Umahi said more than 60 per cent of the 750-kilometre project had been procured, dismissing claims that its cost was $20 billion.
He said some sections required excavation of up to 40 metres and replacement of poor soil, while the highway would feature drainage, pedestrian walkways, solar lighting, cable ducts and provision for a rail corridor.
The minister also rejected claims that Hitech was favoured because of its relationship with President Tinubu, insisting: “Nobody awarded the project to Hitech because of a long-standing relationship.”
Umahi said the highway would ultimately transform connectivity and economic activities along the coastal corridor, declaring: “Whether you like it or not, this project will be built, and the nation, Nigeria, will definitely see a great and beautiful present.”