The Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. (Sen.) David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE has commended the Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for fostering inclusive governance and ensuring peace and unity within the State. Speaking during a Stakeholders’ Engagement and Unveiling of the 71-kilometre Ondo State Section of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Minister praised the Governor’s commitment to infrastructural development and his strong relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which has facilitated critical projects in the State. The meeting was held on Thursday, 13th March, 2025 in Akure.
The stakeholders deliberated on the strategic importance of the project, the expected socioeconomic impact, and the measures required to ensure its seamless execution. The session also provided a veritable platform for addressing concerns and reinforcing the commitment of all parties to the successful completion of the project.
Whilst highlighting the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, Engr. Umahi emphasised its economic significance and the rigorous process undertaken to ensure compliance with Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA). He revealed that the first segment of the road, originally 75 kilometres, has been optimised to 71 to reduce cost, as well as minimise environmental disruptions. This adjustment, made in collaboration with the State Government, eliminates the need for major bridges and preserves key communities’ interests.
Further addressing the impact of the Federal Government’s infrastructure agenda, the Minister, reiterated that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is one of the Administration’s four major legacy road projects aimed at improving connectivity across Nigeria. He emphasised that the project is neither wasteful nor corrupt, contrary to criticisms by a former President, who as a Military Head of State squandered a large quantum of our money on a mere cultural jamboree tagged FESTAC ‘77. He added that its execution follows a transparent Engineering, Procurement, and Construction plus Financing (EPC+F) model, ensuring sustainability and return on investment.
He also outlined the administration’s broader infrastructure strategy, which includes the three other legacy road projects across all geopolitical zones, such as the 1,068 kilometre Sokoto – Badagry Highway with 127 kilometres in Sokoto State and 258 in Kebbi, is ongoing, the 474-kilometre Abakaliki – Abuja Highway and the 420-kilometre Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe Highway.
Regarding ongoing Federal projects in Ondo State, the Minister provided updates on key roadworks, including the Akure-Iju (Ekiti border) road, Ore-Ondo-Akure road, and the Ilesha-Akure-Benin highway, assuring that necessary steps are being taken to fast-track their completion. He also called on the state government to support RoW compensation efforts to facilitate the smooth execution of the project.
In a Goodwill Message at the event, the former Chairman of Ilaje LGA., Hon. Banji Okunomo, expressed the State’s gratitude for the project, highlighting the historical and generational significance of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. He noted that discussions on the project date back to 1979-80 but were never fully implemented by the past administrations. He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister for ensuring that such projects are prioritised and for recognizing Ondo State as a key beneficiary.
The Molokun of Atijere, HRM Oba Samuel Edema raised concerns regarding the boundary demarcation between Ondo and Ogun States, stressing the need for clarity on the exact positioning of the project within Ondo State. He emphasized that Ondo State’s portion should commence from Olosu Meta rather than Ibare, as has been speculated. He urged the authorities to ensure proper boundary recognition to prevent future disputes and reaffirmed that Ilaje communities have always been part of Ondo State, both administratively and infrastructurally.
He further assured the Minister that the people of Ondo State would fully cooperate with the contractor to ensure the successful execution of the project, emphasising that this initiative is historic, generational, and crucial to national economic development. He concluded by requesting better visibility of project details and alignment information for stakeholders.
Adding to the discourse, the Governor, Dr. Lucky O. Aiyedatiwa, welcomed the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, CON, acknowledging the Federal Government’s commitment to road infrastructure in the state. He emphasized the strategic importance of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and other ongoing Federal projects in Ondo State, expressing gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his visionary leadership.
The Governor highlighted key infrastructure initiatives such as the Dualisation of Akure – Ilesha and Akure-Ado Ekiti roads, which aim to improve road safety and connectivity, and most importantly spur economic activities. He also noted the Federal government’s intervention in the establishment of the Federal University of Technology Teaching Hospital in Akure and the approval of an Aviation College in the State.
Governor Aiyedatiwa reiterated the need for collaborative governance, emphasising that Ondo State is ready to work closely with the Federal Government, contractors, and stakeholders to ensure the successful completion of these projects. He also reaffirmed the state’s commitment to securing construction sites and facilitating a smooth execution process.
He further stressed the economic significance of these projects, particularly the Deep Seaport initiative, which is expected to enhance trade and industrial growth in the region. The Governor expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s administration and pledged continued cooperation to actualize these transformative projects.
Responding, the Minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to delivering critical infrastructure that enhances economic growth and national development. He urged stakeholders to support these initiatives and assured that by the third year of President Tinubu’s administration, significant milestones in road infrastructure would be achieved. On the border dispute raised, he advised the affected community to approach the National Boundary Commission for clarification, stressing that it is beyond the Ministry.
Before departing Akure, the Minister inspected ongoing works on the Dualisation of Akure – Ado Ekiti – Ita Ogbolu-Iju-Ekiti State Border-Ikere-Ado Ekiti Road, Section I: Akure-Ita-Iju-Ekiti State Border being executed by Messrs Samchase (Nigeria) Limited, where he pointed out some adjustments to be made but generally applauded the Contractor and supervising Engineers.
Signed
Mohammad Abdullahi Ahmed,
Director, Press and Public Relations.
14th March, 2025.
