Gift Johnbull has called on residents to support the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project. She is the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Community Engagement, South-South. She spoke in Calabar during a tour of Section 3B in Cross River and Section 3A in Akwa Ibom.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is one of the Tinubu administration’s four legacy projects. Construction began in March 2024. The road will connect nine coastal states: Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River. The project has faced criticism over alignment changes, costs and procurement. In October 2026, the government rerouted sections onto the existing East-West Road corridor to avoid deep pits and unstable soil. Critics questioned the planning and a proposed $20 billion loan.
Johnbull said the project is critical to regional development. She urged residents to assess it firsthand rather than rely on negative narratives. She praised Tinubu, Works Minister Dave Umahi and contractor Hitech for advancing concrete road technology. She cited the East-West Road’s delays despite multiple contractors. She said improved technology and political will could deliver lasting infrastructure.
Mr Vincent Okuduwa, Controller of Works at the Federal Ministry of Works, said about nine kilometres of Section 3A had reached the Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement stage. About six kilometres of Section 3B was complete. Section 3A is 18% completed. The work includes site clearance, removal of unsuitable materials, approved soil layers and dredged sand in swampy areas. He dismissed reports that the project had been abandoned or diverted. He said an additional connection to the East-West Road did not cancel it. About 90% of compensation claims in Akwa Ibom had been paid. Outstanding payments involve areas affected by proposed realignments. The project covers 41 kilometres in Akwa Ibom and 30 kilometres in Cross River.
Mr Kelvin Eyam, Convener of Community Comrades, South-South, said the group organised the tour to verify progress after negative reports. He said the group was impressed by construction and employment opportunities.
Winners: The Federal Government, which shows progress. Hitech, which gains visibility. Local workers, who gain jobs. The Ministry of Works, which defends the project. Compensation beneficiaries in Akwa Ibom. Losers: Critics who question the alignment. Property owners awaiting compensation. States not yet reached by construction. Taxpayers, if the project costs overrun. The project, if the loan is not approved.
Bottom Line: Fifteen kilometres of concrete. Seventy-one kilometres across two states. The project is moving. The criticism continues. The government must deliver. The road must justify the cost.