Works Minister David Umahi has defended the Federal Government’s decision to change sections of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway in Ondo State, arguing that difficult terrain, expensive construction requirements and flooding risks made adjustments necessary. His explanation comes amid growing demands from political figures and community representatives for greater transparency about the revised route and its potential impact on coastal settlements.
Umahi said the original alignment crossed deep pits and areas with unsuitable soil, which would require extensive ground preparation before construction could proceed safely. He maintained that the government had to reconsider the route to avoid excessive costs and ensure the road could withstand difficult environmental conditions.
Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Route Change Explained
Speaking during a briefing on federal infrastructure projects in Abuja, Umahi said some pits along the proposed route exceeded 100 metres in depth, while suitable construction materials were difficult to obtain in certain locations.
According to the minister, these conditions would make construction significantly more expensive than work on more stable ground, requiring substantial filling and other engineering interventions before workers could lay the road pavement.
He explained that the ministry redesigned the affected sections to avoid the most difficult areas and improve the project’s long-term durability. Umahi also said filling operations had progressed considerably, with some sections requiring extensive layers of sharp sand to create a stable foundation.
The minister maintained that the changes followed engineering considerations rather than an attempt to abandon the project’s original objectives. However, questions remain about how the revised alignment will affect communities that expected the highway to improve access to coastal areas.
Government Plans to Use Existing East-West Road
Beyond the adjustments in Ondo State, Umahi disclosed that President Bola Tinubu had approved plans to connect the highway with the existing East-West Road along parts of the Ondo-Edo corridor.
Rather than construct an entirely new alignment through the affected stretch, the government intends to upgrade sections of the existing road and incorporate them into the wider transport network.
Umahi identified flooding as another major concern, particularly around the Ughelli axis in Delta State, where water levels have affected road conditions. He said the government planned to raise vulnerable sections of the road by approximately two metres to improve protection against existing and anticipated flood levels.
The revised plan also includes a proposed 45-kilometre Benin City bypass, which is intended to reduce traffic congestion and improve movement around the Edo State capital.
According to the minister, these measures would strengthen regional transport connections while addressing engineering problems that could otherwise delay construction or increase expenditure.
Stakeholders Question the Highway’s Original Alignment
Despite the government’s explanation, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway has attracted renewed scrutiny over planning, procurement and environmental considerations.
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has called for greater transparency regarding the project’s documentation, financing and reported route adjustments. His concerns reflect broader questions about how officials assessed construction challenges before approving the original alignment.
Human rights lawyer Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa has also urged the government to clarify which communities the revised route will serve and which settlements could lose out on the expected benefits.
Some coastal stakeholders fear that moving sections inland could limit opportunities for communities that depend on fishing, waterways, tourism and related commercial activities. They want the government to explain how the changes will affect local livelihoods and access to future economic opportunities.
These concerns have increased calls for the publication of updated engineering assessments, environmental reviews and cost comparisons between the original and revised routes.
What the Route Change Means for the Project
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway remains one of the Federal Government’s major transport infrastructure projects, designed to improve connectivity across southern Nigeria and support the movement of people and goods.
Umahi said construction was continuing on other sections, while the government worked on the affected corridors and related road improvements. The Federal Ministry of Works has also reported progress on completed and ongoing sections of the wider project.
However, the revised alignment has created an important public accountability question: how can the government balance difficult engineering conditions and construction costs with the economic needs of communities along the coast?
Publishing clear technical explanations and updated route information could help answer these questions and allow residents to understand the project’s likely impact.
For now, Umahi maintains that the adjustments reflect practical engineering decisions intended to deliver durable infrastructure. Stakeholders continue to seek further details about the route, its costs and the communities expected to benefit as the project progresses.
