Falana Challenges Lagos-Calabar Highway Cost as Umahi Defends Project

Prominent human rights lawyer Femi Falana has demanded that the Federal Government provide clear accounting for the ₦15 trillion allocated to the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway scheme, expressing concern over disclosed modifications to its trajectory. Falana made these statements at a public gathering, drawing fresh scrutiny to this major infrastructure initiative as citizens raise questions about whether the substantial expenditure reflects what was originally envisioned.

Works Minister David Umahi has defended the project by declaring the 750-kilometre highway continues unchanged and construction remains active. He attributed modifications to technical evaluations rather than strategic policy reversals.

According to Umahi, the original route passing through Ondo State faced considerable obstacles, including poor soil stability and difficult terrain, which would have driven up building costs substantially. Cost containment and structural viability, the minister contended, justified these adjustments.

The row over routing has attracted scrutiny from diverse stakeholders. Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, lawyers Chidi Odinkalu and Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, alongside other prominent individuals, openly voiced reservations online regarding the proposed route shift, with certain parties contending this contradicted what had been approved initially.

The disagreement underscores deeper public apprehension concerning infrastructure oversight and accountability, particularly regarding whether expenditures correspond to actual delivery. In parallel remarks, Falana cautioned political aspirants in Lagos preparing for the 2027 election that violence and voter suppression represent genuine risks during polling.

He appealed to candidates across competing parties to join forces protecting voting access for all qualified Nigerians, drawing on recollections from prior elections. Falana stressed the necessity for coordinated measures to halt criminal activity and suppression techniques capable of preventing citizens from participating in ballots.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's infrastructure programme includes this coastal highway undertaking. Work on site has proceeded despite public disagreement surrounding route questions and expenditure transparency.

Project developers have not announced timelines for completion or when the route controversy will be resolved.