Questions Mount Over Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway’s Route, Cost and Procurement

Concerns are growing over changes to the proposed 750-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, including its route, lane width, financing structure and procurement process. The project was initially planned as a 10-lane coastal road through nine states, but the Works Ministry has announced an inland realignment after Lagos and Ogun and a reduction to six lanes. The highway, estimated at between $11 billion and $13 billion, was awarded to HITECH Construction Company under an EPC+F and public-private partnership arrangement. Questions remain over the use of single-source procurement, the shift from a fully financed model to government-backed funding, and conflicting statements about funds released for the project. The project also raises concerns about environmental assessments, compensation for properties affected by demolitions, and the final alignment through coastal and wetland communities. Taxpayers, affected residents, fishers and businesses along the southern corridor need clear information on the project’s cost, design and expected benefits. The government should publish the final route map, feasibility studies, contracts, bills of quantities, payment records, environmental reports and compensation details. Independent financial and operational audits are needed to restore public confidence in a project of this scale.

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