Tinubu Tells Umahi: Ignore Critics, They Don’t Know What They’re Talking About on Lagos-Calabar Road Project

President Bola Tinubu has urged Minister of Works David Umahi to disregard critics of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project, saying they do not understand the scope and importance of the initiative. Speaking in Lagos on Thursday at the launch of the deep-seaport access road reconstruction, Tinubu defended the project amid criticism over the recently inaugurated first 30km section, which represents less than five percent of the planned 700km highway.

The Lagos-Calabar highway, awarded to Hitech Construction Company Ltd, was initially launched by Tinubu in March 2024. Despite concerns about the project’s cost and scale, the president emphasized his administration’s commitment to delivering lasting infrastructure for Nigeria’s development. He encouraged those unhappy with the project’s expense to use alternative routes.

Addressing Minister Umahi directly, Tinubu said, “Don’t listen to those critics. They don’t know what they are talking about.” He urged the minister to continue planning and advancing construction on the remaining sections of the highway. Tinubu highlighted the progress already made on section two, with 10km completed out of a 55km stretch, and ongoing work in Cross River and Akwa Ibom states. He concluded by instructing Umahi to press forward with further design and procurement efforts to complete the ambitious coastal road project.