Umahi Speaks On Coastal Highway Completion Timeline
OpenLife News reports that Minister of Works, David Umahi, has disclosed that the 750-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway will be completed within the next three years, while dismissing allegations that President Bola Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu, has interest in Hitech Construction Company handling the project.
Umahi spoke on Thursday, October 23, 2026, during an interview on ARISE News The Morning Show with anchor Ojy Okpe, where he addressed controversies surrounding the coastal road, the Landmark Beach demolition and Southeast politics ahead of 2027.
No single design on Coastal Highway, cost cheaper
The Minister explained that there is no single design for the entire 750km stretch, noting that designs vary based on terrain and that criticism over the project’s cost is misplaced.
According to him, the coastal highway is cheaper than comparable road projects both in Nigeria and internationally when subjected to cost analysis.
He expressed confidence that the full project will be delivered in three years despite public skepticism.
Seyi Tinubu has no stake in Hitech
On allegations of conflict of interest in awarding the contract to Hitech, Umahi insisted due process was followed and the award was legal.
He categorically denied reports that Seyi Tinubu sits on the board of Hitech Construction Company, describing the claims as false and politically motivated.
“There is no stake, Seyi Tinubu is not on the board of Hitech. The contract was awarded legally,” Umahi stated.
Landmark Beach
The Minister also tackled the lingering dispute with Landmark Africa CEO, Paul Onwuanibe, accusing him of “land grabbing” along the Lagos beachfront.
Umahi disputed Landmark’s claims of massive financial losses, pointing to inconsistencies between an earlier claim of $250 million loss and a later figure of N42 billion.
He said the Federal Government deliberately preserved Landmark’s permanent structure during demolitions and warned that the government would take legal action if misleading claims against the project continue.
Southeast will vote Tinubu, not Obi in 2027
Speaking on politics, Umahi described the Southeast’s overwhelming support for Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election as an “accident of history” driven by perceived marginalisation.
He argued that President Tinubu has addressed that grievance through key appointments and infrastructure projects in the region, including the coastal highway and other federal interventions.
According to him, the Southeast will reward Tinubu with votes in 2027 rather than repeat support for Obi, adding that Obi “can never be the best presidential material from the Southeast.”
About Author
