Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has defended the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, describing those criticising it as people driven by envy and jealousy who do not believe in President Bola Tinubu’s vision.
Umahi said the ongoing project is already benefiting Nigerians, insisting that motorists using completed sections of the highway are enjoying smoother travel and improved traffic flow.
The minister spoke in Lagos while addressing concerns over the multi-billion-naira road project, which has continued to generate public debate since construction began.
According to him, many of those attacking the project failed to believe that President Tinubu had the courage and determination to embark on such a massive infrastructure programme.
He said the President had once again demonstrated that he is willing to pursue projects that many people considered impossible.
“Why are you attacking the coastal highway? Just two minutes we had to stay with the National Assembly, we saw a buildup of up to five kilometres. Who are the people using it? Our people are using it and they are enjoying it,” Umahi said.
He added that those linking every challenge or criticism to the coastal highway project were acting out of jealousy rather than genuine concern.
“So those who attack the coastal highway and attribute every negative happening to the coastal highway are people who are born out of envy and jealousy.
“They never believed that Tinubu is a man of audacity, a dreamer, and an actualizer,” the minister stated.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is one of the flagship infrastructure projects of the Tinubu administration. The road is designed to run along Nigeria’s coastline, linking Lagos with several coastal states before terminating in Calabar, Cross River State.
When completed, the highway is expected to improve transportation, reduce travel time, boost tourism, strengthen regional trade and open up new economic opportunities along the coastal corridor.
The Federal Government has repeatedly argued that the project will stimulate economic growth by connecting communities, attracting investments and creating thousands of jobs during and after construction.
However, the project has also attracted criticism from some opposition politicians, civil society groups, urban planners and members of the public.
Critics have questioned the project’s cost, procurement process and environmental impact. Some have also raised concerns over the demolition of properties along the project route and the compensation paid to affected property owners.
The government has consistently defended the project, insisting that due process was followed and that compensation is being paid where necessary.
Umahi has remained one of the strongest defenders of the highway since construction began. He has repeatedly described it as a transformational project that will change Nigeria’s transport network and support long-term economic development.
The minister has also dismissed claims that the project is wasteful, arguing that major economies around the world invest heavily in strategic infrastructure to drive growth.
According to him, the benefits of the coastal highway will become more evident as more sections are completed and opened to the public.
His latest comments come as work continues on different sections of the highway, with contractors carrying out earthworks, bridge construction and other engineering activities.
The Federal Government has expressed confidence that the project will be delivered in phases, allowing motorists to begin using completed stretches while construction continues on other sections.
They also argue that improved road connectivity will encourage investments in tourism, agriculture, manufacturing and maritime businesses located along the corridor.
Despite these expectations, debate over the project has continued, reflecting broader public interest in how major infrastructure projects are funded, executed and managed.
The Tinubu administration has made infrastructure development one of the key pillars of its economic agenda, with roads, rail lines, bridges and housing projects receiving significant attention in recent budgets.
Government officials argue that improved infrastructure is essential for lowering transportation costs, increasing productivity and supporting national economic growth.
For Umahi, however, the focus should remain on the benefits that ordinary Nigerians are already beginning to enjoy from the completed portions of the coastal highway.
He maintained that the project speaks for itself and that those using the road can see the difference it is making.
According to the minister, history will judge the Tinubu administration favourably for embarking on what he described as a bold and visionary project despite criticism from opponents.
As construction progresses, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is expected to remain one of the most closely watched infrastructure projects in the country, attracting both praise and criticism as the government works towards its completion.