Minister of Works, Sen. (Engr) David Umahi has rejected the social media report that claimed structural cracks on the completed section of the Lagos- Calabar Coastal Highway project.
At a Press Briefing, Ministry Headquarter in Abuja on Wednesday, Umahi stated clearly that no completed section of the highway has suffered any form of structural damage.
The Minister who attributed the reactions to misinformation and sensationalism said over 500 concerns had been raised regarding this structural cracks at section one of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
He explained that the area where the crack was noticed is part of the sand- filled shoulder of the highway, which the Minister said it’s not the main carriage- way, and still under construction.
According to him, “I have gotten over 500 concerns about a crack they noticed at the Lagos-Calabar Coast Highway Section one.
“And I was wondering whether they are sending it in the face, or they are sending it to mock me to say, look, this is the project you will be very proud of, look at what is happening.
“Let me tell you that nothing is happening. Nothing. Absolutely, it’s not an issue at all. That section has not been completed. Section 1 is 7.47 kilometres by 6.
“And so, you have the main carriageway, you’ve the shoulder. And so, where you noticed the crack is the sand-filled section of the shoulder, not carriageway, with a stone base, where we are not presently working on.
“Because to work on the shoulder, we’ve to bury the cable docks. So, ladies and gentlemen, that thing is not a structural failure at all. It is within, whether it is a stone base we are using, or sand, or lathrite, it is bound to happen”, Umahi said.
The Minister assured Nigerians that the road’s structural integrity remains intact while reaffirmed that proper engineering standards were being followed, revealed the presence of underground drainage systems running parallel to the highway.
“People even say there is no drainage, but we have underground drainage running 750 kilometres in dual lines”, Umahi stated.
The Minister also mentioned that other key emergency works are ongoing in Lagos State, which includes detailed assessments and planning on the Third Mainland Bridge and the Carter Bridge.
Speaking further, he said that these matters have been tabled before the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and are receiving urgent attention.
Umahi assured that the Federal Government is taking strategic steps to rehabilitate and sustain critical transport infrastructure across Nigeria.
He disclosed that a meeting was held with the contractor last week where it was agreed that they must deploy work teams to a minimum of six sections across the project site.
“As of now, the contractor is actively working in four sections, including areas recently inspected by the Minister of State”, the Minister said.
He emphasized that efforts have been intensified and relocated to critical points to ensure progress. “It’s a 14-month project, and we are confident it will be completed on time with the President’s strong and continued support.
Giving vote of thanks, the Minister of State, Bello Mohammed Goronyo, thanked President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to rural infrastructure development.
He said Tinubu’s administration has demonstrated a rare and commendable dedication to addressing road networks that have been neglected for decades—some for over 45 to 47 years. “This level of focus on rural connectivity marks a significant shift in national priorities”.
According to him, “Truly, we’re witnessing a transformational period where the very roots of our nation—our critical road corridors—are being criss-crossed, rehabilitated, and rebuilt.
“It is safe to say that there has never been a better time for Nigeria’s infrastructure development than now, under President who clearly understands importance of connectivity to economic growth and national unity.”
