David Umahi Justifies Ondo Highway Diversion for Costs

David Umahi, the Minister of Works, defended the Federal Government’s decision to divert the Ondo section of the Lagos-Calabar highway, stating that the original route crossed terrain with pits over 100 metres deep, which would have significantly increased construction costs. Speaking in Abuja, Umahi provided an update on President Bola Tinubu’s four legacy road projects, emphasizing that the diversion was necessary for engineering reasons and to ensure public funds were used effectively.

He acknowledged petitions against him regarding the diversion but maintained that the decision was justified. The diversion affects Sections 4A and 4B of the coastal highway, covering 67 kilometres, with 27 kilometres in Ogun State and about 40 kilometres in Ondo State.

Umahi reported that Section 1, a 47.47-kilometre stretch from Victoria Island, Lagos, has been completed, while Section 2, covering 55 kilometres, is expected to be completed the following month. He also mentioned ongoing work on Sections 3A and 3B at the Calabar end, which have achieved over 30 per cent completion.