Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway: Beyond Epe, the Real Debate Is Its Economic Value

Donald Duke’s criticism of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway raises a valid question about opportunity cost. Can Nigeria fund a major new highway while existing roads, hospitals and schools also need urgent investment? However, the debate should go beyond whether construction has moved past Epe. The project is being presented as an economic corridor, not simply a 700-kilometre road. Its supporters expect it to connect coastal communities, ports, farms, tourism sites, industries and markets, creating room for logistics, housing, warehousing, hospitality and other businesses. Rehabilitating existing roads restores old connections, but a new route could open up areas that were previously difficult to reach. Still, government must clearly justify the project’s cost, financing, procurement process, environmental impact and projected returns. Expected GDP gains and development along the corridor remain projections, not guarantees. The key question is not only what else Nigeria could do with the money. It is also what economic opportunities may be lost if the corridor is not built. The real test will be the businesses, communities and jobs that emerge around it after construction.

Use The App To Win ₦1m

Stories are shared by community members. This article does not represent the official view of NaijaWorld — the author is solely responsible for its content.