The Minister of Works, David Umahi, revealed that President Bola Tinubu assured the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project is aimed at Nigeria’s development. Umahi shared that the Oba had raised concerns about the potential impact of the project on his land, but Tinubu reassured him by emphasizing the national significance of the highway and its contribution to the overall development of the country. Umahi made these comments on Thursday during a press briefing after an interactive session with the Senate Committee on Works.
According to Umahi, while the Oba of Lagos had expressed his concerns about the project affecting his land, the President made it clear that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is a project of national importance. Tinubu highlighted that the project is a long-term investment that will contribute significantly to the economic and infrastructural development of Nigeria, and as such, it is vital for all stakeholders to prioritize the broader benefits for the nation over individual concerns. Umahi elaborated that even the Oba, whose land was impacted, had recognized the importance of the project and agreed to provide his land for its construction. The Minister then questioned, "If the Oba can give his empty land, who else could oppose the project?"
Umahi also noted that much of the criticism surrounding property encroachment was coming from non-indigenes of Lagos, though he added that this should not be a factor in determining the project's course. While he acknowledged that people outside Lagos were raising objections, Umahi emphasized that the development of the country should take precedence over individual interests. He dismissed the opposition, saying, "Those who are fighting for this land are not even the indigenes of Lagos, even though it doesn’t matter. But you can’t be more Catholic than the Pope."
The Minister also referred to a woman who had been actively involved in opposing the project. He suggested that she had been playing political games to obstruct progress but made it clear that he would not back down from the project. He said, "I know the woman behind it. There’s nothing she has not been talking about, playing all kinds of politics. But I’m equal to the task; I’m a man of courage. We are constructing the road along her contentious direction and nothing will stop it."
Expanding on the matter, Umahi accused those criticizing President Tinubu over the project of being driven by envy and jealousy due to the President’s achievements and performance in office. He strongly defended Tinubu’s decisions, asserting that the President is acting in the best interest of Nigeria. He claimed that there has never been a decision taken by Tinubu that has failed, including the ongoing project and other policies such as the tax reform bill. Umahi stated, “Tinubu had a dream 25 years ago as a governor on the project and divinely actualized when he became President by God.”
The Minister further expressed that the criticisms against Tinubu were rooted in the inability of some people to believe in the President’s capability to turn around Nigeria's economy. He suggested that only divine intervention could have made it possible for Tinubu to achieve such significant progress, and those envious of his success failed to recognize this. Umahi concluded, “There’s no decision taken by the President that has ever failed, including this tax reform bill.”
Umahi also urged those skeptical of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project to look beyond their suspicions and understand the broader vision behind it. He stated that once people fully grasp the potential of the project, they will see that it is a catalyst for the growth of every state in Nigeria. He encouraged all stakeholders to embrace the national interest, which he believes the project will serve. The Minister's comments reflected his strong commitment to the project and his unwavering belief in its transformative potential for Nigeria’s development.
