Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road first section cost ₦1.067 trillion
The Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi, has given an update on the cost of the first section of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road, following recent criticism and debate over how much it is costing per kilometre. He said the first phase, which covers 47.47 kilometres, will cost ₦1.067 trillion. That section is being built to six lanes, with flyovers, underpasses, shore protection works, solar powered lighting, and other infrastructure enhancements included.
Umahi explained that when you adjust for the features included (shore protection, solar lighting, retaining walls, etc.), the effective cost works out to about ₦7.5 billion per kilometre for what he calls a “standard” federal coastal road (two-lane equivalent). He said critics who quote higher or lower figures without accounting for these extras are missing key cost components. Umahi emphasized that challenging terrain, extensive earthworks, and the need for high-quality concrete pavement rather than simple asphalt all contribute to the higher cost.
He also clarified that Section One of the project is roughly 70 percent complete. The government had initially scheduled this section to be finished by January 2026, though earlier he had said some parts would be inaugurated by May 2025. The minister reiterated that once completed, the highway will be tolled and that the government also plans to recoup investment through real estate, tourism, and industrial development along the corridor.
Additionally, Umahi denied allegations of damage to already completed sections, saying that the works are intact, and that areas undergoing sand filling or base preparation are not damaged but part of the construction process. He asked for objectivity from the public, noting the project has also been reviewed by international financiers who describe parts of it as undervalued.
