Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway gains global recognition as financier receives international Award – Umahi

By Editor

The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has disclosed that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal SuperHighway is attracting growing international recognition, with one of its key financiers recently receiving a global award for supporting the landmark infrastructure project.

Umahi made the disclosure on Friday during an inspection of Section Two of the highway project in Epe, Lagos State, where he highlighted the increasing interest the project has generated among international financial institutions, foreign governments and infrastructure experts.

According to the minister, the quality and strategic significance of the coastal highway have earned it widespread admiration, with major stakeholders around the world closely monitoring its progress.

He revealed that Deutsche Bank, which led the funding of 70 per cent of Sections One and Two of the project, had described the highway as undervalued when compared to the quality of work being delivered.

“Deutsche Bank, which was the lead bank for the funding of 70 per cent of Sections One and Two, said that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal SuperHighway Project was undervalued. But the quality of the work is out of this world,” Umahi said.

The minister noted that the project has become a major attraction for international visitors interested in understanding the engineering standards being applied on the road corridor.

“People are coming. I’m told that the California Transport Minister is on this road today to look at it. Our neighbouring countries are coming to look at the quality of the road, and they are trying to snatch HITECH from us. But we will fight. We will not agree,” he stated.

Umahi further disclosed that First Abu Dhabi Bank FAB, one of the financial institutions involved in financing the project, was honoured at the ongoing Islamic Development Bank IsDB Group Annual Meetings 2026 in Baku, Azerbaijan, for its participation in the Lagos-Calabar Coastal SuperHighway.

According to him, the bank received the award after contributing $656 million towards the project, which he described as an innovative initiative of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

“Just this week, the First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) that participated in the funding was given an award at the ongoing IsDB Group Annual Meetings 2026 in Baku, Azerbaijan, for participating in this wonderful, innovative project of President Bola Tinubu. They participated with 656 million US dollars, and they were given an award. This is something to rejoice about,” Umahi said.

The minister said the recognition reflects growing international confidence in the project and underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to delivering transformative infrastructure capable of stimulating economic growth and national development.

He also urged critics of the project to ensure their concerns are based on facts and constructive engagement.

“When people criticize the project, they have to know that it’s their right to criticize. But criticize constructively and be sure of what you are saying. Don’t darken counsel without knowledge,” he cautioned.

Umahi reaffirmed his commitment to transparency, accountability and effective supervision of federal infrastructure projects, stressing that his service is guided by faith, responsibility to Nigerians and dedication to President Tinubu’s development agenda.

“I put God first in all that I do. I put the people and I put the President first, and that is the line of commitment to this job. My Bible tells me that by fear of God, men depart from evil.

“So I’m doing something in terms of supervision that tomorrow I will answer for, and also in heaven, I will answer to God Almighty,” he said.

The Lagos-Calabar Coastal SuperHighway is one of the flagship infrastructure projects of the Tinubu administration and is expected to enhance connectivity, boost trade and unlock economic opportunities along Nigeria’s coastal corridor.