Former Cross River State Governor, Donald Duke, and the Minister of Works, David Umahi, have engaged in a public disagreement over the Federal Government's multi-billion naira Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, with Umahi accusing the former governor of getting his facts wrong.
The exchange followed comments by Donald Duke during an interview on ARISE Television, where he questioned the economic viability of the coastal highway, arguing that Nigeria could not presently afford such a massive infrastructure project. Duke maintained that the country should instead focus on rehabilitating existing highways linking Lagos to Calabar rather than constructing an entirely new coastal route. He also expressed doubts that the project would extend beyond Epe in Lagos State, citing the geographical challenges of passing through swampy coastal areas, particularly Bayelsa State.
Responding to the remarks, Works Minister David Umahi dismissed Duke's assessment, saying the former governor had "goofed" by failing to acknowledge the actual progress made on the project. According to Umahi, construction has already advanced beyond Epe, with work extending into neighbouring Ogun State from the Lagos axis, while construction activities are simultaneously ongoing in Ondo, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States.
Umahi stressed that the physical progress on the ground contradicts Duke's prediction that the road would terminate in Lagos. He insisted that the Federal Government remains committed to completing the ambitious highway, describing it as one of President Bola Tinubu's flagship infrastructure projects aimed at boosting transportation, tourism, commerce and regional economic integration along Nigeria's Atlantic coastline.
The Presidency also defended the project through presidential media aide Tope Ajayi, who described Duke's comments as inconsistent with the reality of ongoing construction. Ajayi argued that political considerations should not overshadow visible progress, noting that work has continued across multiple states simultaneously.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, estimated at about 700–750 kilometres, is designed to connect Lagos with Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River before terminating in Calabar. While supporters believe the project will stimulate investment, improve logistics and enhance tourism, critics continue to question its cost, funding priorities and engineering feasibility.
The disagreement has attracted national attention because Donald Duke, who served as Governor of Cross River State between 1999 and 2007, remains one of the state's most influential political figures. His criticism has sparked serious debate, especially among Cross River residents who hope the highway will improve access to the state and unlock economic opportunities through increased trade and tourism.
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