Umahi denies land grabbing in Lagos-Calabar Highway, attacks Duke's Tinapa record

Works Minister Dave Umahi has rejected claims by former Cross River Governor Donald Duke that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway involves land grabbing. Speaking on Arise TV Friday, Umahi called Duke's criticism politically motivated, noting Duke and a former Delta governor previously endorsed the project before switching parties.

Umahi defended the ₦7.5 billion per kilometre cost, challenging Duke's record: "When we talk about bogus projects we should be talking about Tinapa, is it functioning? It's not functioning, but you borrowed money from the state, which one is land grabbing?"

The minister framed the highway as critical for Niger Delta development, warning that President Tinubu's re-election is essential for the project's survival: "God forbids that he fails to return, they will continue to ignore Niger Delta and the Lagos-Calabar road will be gone."

Duke had labelled the project land grabbing and called a sitting governor a "local champion." The 700km highway aims to connect Lagos to Calabar through eight coastal states, with construction already underway in sections.

With 2027 elections approaching, the highway has become a political litmus test. Will Niger Delta voters back Tinubu based on this infrastructure promise, or will Duke's land grabbing narrative gain traction?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/10/23/lagos-calabar-coastal-highway-not-land-grabbing-umahi/