Umahi versus Makinde on coastal highway cost transparency
Minister of Works, David Umahi, has responded strongly to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s criticism regarding the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway project costs, saying he remains an “A student in mathematics” and Makinde’s senior both in engineering and governance. The exchange follows ongoing public debate about the transparency and cost breakdown of Nigeria’s biggest ongoing road project.
Governor Makinde had earlier questioned why the Ministry of Works declined to release an average cost per kilometre for the project, suggesting that Nigerians deserve a clear explanation of how public funds are being spent. Makinde, who also has an engineering background, noted that disclosing the estimated average per-kilometre cost would not only boost transparency but also help citizens understand what distinguishes this project from previous ones.
In response, Minister Umahi defended his decision not to reveal the average cost figure, insisting that it would be misleading because each segment of the coastal highway has different design components. According to him, factors such as soil condition, terrain, choice of materials—especially the use of reinforced concrete pavement instead of asphalt—and engineering complexities like bridges, flyovers, and interchanges significantly alter the cost per kilometre.
Umahi maintained that the project is being executed under international construction standards and that the figures will be released in full once all phases are completed and verified. He also emphasized that the inclusion of price-variation clauses and contingencies is standard in large infrastructure projects, to accommodate market fluctuations in materials and logistics.
Governor Makinde, however, insists that the public deserves transparency, even if a general average is given. He referenced previous projects executed in Oyo State, noting that road costs in his administration have been open to public scrutiny and that similar openness should apply to federal projects. Makinde’s comments have resonated with civil groups calling for more clarity in government contracts.
The exchange has sparked a wider national conversation on infrastructure accountability, especially as the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway remains one of Nigeria’s most ambitious and costly construction efforts. While Umahi argues for technical context, many observers say the people simply want clear, understandable information on how billions of naira are being spent.
