Don’t Use The Road IF You Don’t Like It” – Umahi Fires Back At Obasanjo, Critics Over Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway

In his publication titled Nigeria: Past and the Future, Obasanjo criticized the 700km project as a misplaced priority.

Responding to the former president’s comments, Minister of Works David Umahi addressed journalists in Akure, Ondo State, on Thursday. He urged Nigerians to ignore Obasanjo’s criticisms and insisted that those opposing the project should abstain from using the road upon completion.

Umahi reaffirmed that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is one of President Tinubu’s four key legacy projects. He challenged critics who view the initiative as wasteful, stating that the project has been executed transparently with full public engagement.

“If someone calls this project fraudulent, they are also calling me a fraud, and I am definitely not. This project has been very transparent, and we continue to engage stakeholders. Every step of the process is in the public domain,” Umahi said.

He acknowledged Obasanjo’s stature and age, saying, “The man deserves our respect, but as the Minister of Works, it is my duty to ensure that this project is neither wasteful nor corrupt.”

Defending the project further, Umahi dismissed claims that only the contractor should provide explanations, emphasizing that as a trained engineer and experienced public servant, he is well-equipped to clarify the project’s significance.

He also suggested that critics might be envious of the project’s success, adding, “Some people wake up and wonder how one man can be credited with such a legacy, especially if they had the opportunity to do something similar but failed.”

According to Umahi, significant progress has already been made, with the first 47.7km section of the highway reaching 70% completion within a year.

“For those criticizing this project, I will say it again—don’t use the road when it’s completed,” he declared.