The Lagos-Calabar Coastal highway project is turning heads in Lagos, with locals like one X user praising its progress.
The man (@Dipo_Falola), who lives near Orchid Road, took a walk to his backyard and was amazed by what he saw. “Project is massive! See the thickness of the concrete,” he posted on X, sharing his excitement about the huge highway being built.
This highway, stretching 700 kilometers from Lagos to Calabar, is one of President Bola Tinubu’s big plans to connect Nigeria’s coastal states and boost the economy.
The construction started last year, and already parts of it are taking shape. The government says it’ll cut travel time, help businesses, and bring growth to places like Ogun, Ondo, Delta, and beyond.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has been pushing hard, saying the first section of about 47 kilometers is already 70% done. He’s promised it’ll be a game-changer, with thick concrete lanes and even a train track down the middle.
But not everyone’s cheering. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has come out swinging against it.
In his new book, Nigeria: Past and Future, released for his 88th birthday last week, he called the N15.6 trillion project “wasteful and corrupt.”
He’s upset that so much money over N1 trillion already spent is going into it when Nigeria’s facing tough times. Obasanjo also slammed the government for dropping N21 billion on a new house for Vice President Kashim Shettima, saying it’s the wrong focus when people are struggling.
The government fired back fast. Umahi told people in Ondo State to ignore Obasanjo, saying critics like him can just stay off the highway when it’s done.
“This is one of Tinubu’s legacy projects. It’s not a fraud,” he said, defending the work. The presidency agrees, calling it a smart move to grow Nigeria’s economy, not a waste.
For now, folks in Lagos are watching the concrete pour and the highway grow while the debate heats up. Some see a bright future; others, like Obasanjo, see a big mistake. Time will tell who’s right.
