Umahi To Tinubu: “Don’t Listen To Them – Just Give Us More Money!” As Billion-Dollar Road Sparks DebateMinister of Works, David Umahi, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to block out public criticism and approve additional funding for Nigeria’s infrastructure revolution — particularly the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
Umahi made the appeal on Thursday during the official commissioning of the newly completed Lekki Deep Sea Port Access Road in Lagos.
Backing his request with praise from international partners, Umahi emphasized that global investors not only support the highway initiative but believe it’s undervalued.
“International financiers have commended this project. They say it’s undervalued. Mr. President, don’t listen to the noise. Give us more money — we will deliver,” Umahi declared.
Defending the Cost, Citing Complexity
Responding to mounting public scrutiny over the ₦15 trillion Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, Umahi defended both its budget and engineering demands.
“People criticize without technical knowledge,” Umahi stated. “Some sections require construction over swampy terrain, others don’t. You can’t assign a blanket cost per kilometer. As a Fellow of the Society of Engineers, I understand the numbers and the complexity.”
Umahi reassured the president that the first 30km segment would be completed and tolled by December, with work on Section 2 nearing completion.
“This project will transform connectivity. I commend the contractor highly for their work and commitment.”
Tinubu Hits Back at Critics
President Tinubu, speaking at the same event, echoed Umahi’s sentiment and brushed off the criticism.
“David, ignore them — they don’t know what they’re talking about. If the road is too expensive for them, toll it. Let them take Idumota if they don’t like progress,” Tinubu said.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to delivering transformative infrastructure to drive economic growth.
Deep Sea Port Road Completed
Highlighting the event, Umahi announced the completion of the 27km two-lane reinforced concrete road connecting the Lekki Deep Sea Port, describing it as a major milestone that would ease the burden currently placed on Apapa Port.
“This access road will resolve longstanding port congestion and support efficient cargo movement from the Deep Sea Port,” he said.
Dangote Honors Tinubu
Among the dignitaries in attendance were Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote, Lagos Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu.
In a symbolic gesture, Dangote named the main access road to the Dangote Refinery after President Tinubu, commending his infrastructure agenda.
Dangote also noted the road is part of eight major national projects totaling over 500km — including routes in Borno State that will connect Nigeria to Cameroon and Chad.
The newly inaugurated road stretches from Epe to Ijebu-Ode and links up with the Sagamu–Benin Expressway, reinforcing Nigeria’s regional logistics and trade network.
