Lagos-Calabar Highway - Housing TV Africa

Tinubu Says Nigeria Building 2,700km of Roads, Expands Housing, Energy and Rail Projects Nationwide

housingtv — Fri, 29 May 2026 18:55:26 +0000

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced that his administration is executing infrastructure projects on an unprecedented scale, with more than 2,700 kilometres of highways and major roads currently under construction, reconstruction, or rehabilitation across Nigeria.

He made the disclosure during a nationwide broadcast on Friday, where he outlined key achievements in infrastructure, housing, energy, and transport sectors under his administration.

Major Road Projects Across Nigeria

Tinubu listed several flagship road projects currently underway, including the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway, Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano corridor, and the long-standing East–West Road.

According to him, significant portions of these projects have already been completed or are nearing completion, with expected benefits including improved regional trade, reduced travel time, and job creation across multiple states.

He added that the scale of ongoing road construction reflects a deliberate effort to modernise Nigeria’s transport infrastructure and strengthen economic connectivity nationwide.

Housing Expansion Under Renewed Hope Programme

On housing, the President said the Renewed Hope Housing Programme, in collaboration with the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), is delivering more than 10,000 housing units across 14 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

He noted that major Renewed Hope Cities in Abuja, Lagos, and Kano are progressing steadily, describing the initiative as a major driver of employment generation, with over 300,000 jobs reportedly created through the programme.

Energy Sector Investments and Refining Capacity

In the energy sector, Tinubu said the $5 billion Nigeria LNG Train 7 project is nearing completion, adding that it will significantly boost Nigeria’s LNG production capacity and export earnings.

He also disclosed that increased domestic refining capacity, including modular refineries, is helping to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported petroleum products while conserving foreign exchange.

Power Sector and Rail Modernisation

The President stated that his administration is actively clearing legacy debts in the power sector, expanding transmission infrastructure, and investing in renewable energy sources.

He maintained that a stable power supply remains central to Nigeria’s economic growth and industrial development.

Tinubu also confirmed that rail modernisation projects are ongoing across the federation to enhance logistics, improve transportation efficiency, and promote economic integration between regions.

Economic Outlook and National Development

The President said the ongoing reforms and infrastructure investments are designed to ensure that “the benefits of reform are felt more directly in the daily lives of ordinary Nigerians.”

While acknowledging the scale of challenges ahead, Tinubu described the national development agenda as ambitious but necessary for long-term stability and economic transformation.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustained infrastructure development, job creation, and inclusive economic growth across all sectors of the economy.

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Ibeju-Lekki Communities Warn of Flood Risk Over Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Project

housingtv — Thu, 14 May 2026 18:17:39 +0000

Leaders of the Ibeju-Lekki Ancestral Community Foundation have expressed concerns over an alleged blocked drainage channel along a section of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway in Eleko, warning that the situation could trigger severe flooding and force residents from their ancestral communities during heavy rainfall.

The foundation, which represents more than 53 communities including Eleko, Museyo, Opo Ijebu and surrounding settlements, raised the concerns during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Eleko Town Hall on Sunday.

Residents fear that the ongoing construction activities around the coastal highway may create environmental challenges capable of affecting homes, businesses, and livelihoods across affected communities.

Investigations during a visit to the area showed that several houses and shops situated along parts of the highway corridor now sit below road level, increasing fears that heavy rainfall could result in widespread flooding.

Community representatives also pointed to a drainage channel they claimed had been obstructed during construction activities.

Speaking on behalf of the affected communities, community leader Chief Adebayo Agbabiaka said residents were not opposed to development projects but remained worried about the environmental consequences.

“This drainage is about nine to 10 metres wide. Even a small downpour could become disastrous. We support development, but there is concern that homes in this area may not survive major rainfall if there is no proper water passage,” he said.

Agbabiaka further alleged that the blockage of the drainage route appeared intentional and could eventually force residents to abandon their communities.

According to him, frequent flooding could gradually displace residents from ancestral lands that have existed for decades.

He also restated the communities’ opposition to the proposed 150-metre setback along the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway corridor, insisting that many residents have nowhere else to relocate.

“We have appealed repeatedly that the 150-metre setback should be reconsidered. We have already given up large portions of land for national development projects and do not want our communities wiped out,” he said.

The community leader maintained that residents had made significant sacrifices over the years through land allocations for major national projects.

He listed projects including the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Dangote Refinery, seaport developments and other infrastructure initiatives as examples of contributions already made by local communities.

Youth coordinator of the affected communities, Ganiyu Adewale, also rejected suggestions of relocation or compensation.

He said residents unanimously agreed that communities should remain in their ancestral lands.

“The project came to meet the communities; the communities did not come to meet the project,” Adewale said.

According to him, local communities have continuously supported development initiatives despite the environmental and social impact on residents.

He explained that people are not against development but want policies that protect indigenous communities from displacement.

The concerns follow earlier reports of anxiety among residents over an alleged plan to enforce a 150-metre setback on both sides of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway corridor.

However, a source within the Federal Ministry of Works reportedly explained that markings along the corridor were carried out by the Office of the Surveyor General of the Federation and did not automatically indicate demolition plans.

The source reportedly stated that affected structures were marked primarily to notify residents that certain areas fall within Federal Government land boundaries.

The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway remains one of the Federal Government’s largest infrastructure projects. The proposed 700-kilometre road network is expected to connect Lagos to Calabar through multiple coastal states.

Despite its projected economic impact, concerns surrounding displacement, land acquisition and environmental implications continue to generate debate among affected communities and stakeholders.

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FG Approves N7tn Road, Bridge Projects Nationwide

housingtv — Fri, 01 May 2026 16:40:08 +0000

Nigeria’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved infrastructure projects worth over N7 trillion, marking one of the largest single approvals for road construction in the country’s history.

The projects, which cut across all six geopolitical zones, include major highways, bridge reconstructions, and strategic economic corridors aimed at boosting connectivity and national development.

Minister of Works, David Umahi, disclosed the approvals after a council meeting, noting that the projects align with the infrastructure agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Key Projects Approved

Among the headline projects is a N1.86 trillion extension of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway through Akwa Ibom State, described as one of the most technically challenging sections due to swampy terrain.

The council also approved N548.98 billion for the complete demolition and reconstruction of the Carter Bridge in Lagos after structural assessments confirmed severe deterioration.

Another major approval includes a N1.79 trillion section of the Sokoto-Badagry Expressway, a 360-kilometre corridor expected to be partly funded through external financing and operated as a toll road.

Reviving Abandoned and Delayed Projects

Umahi revealed that the government has restructured several inherited projects that failed to deliver results.

One such project is the Suleja-Minna road, previously handled under a tax credit scheme but stalled for years. The project has now been split into two contracts worth N91 billion and N93 billion, respectively.

The reconstruction of the Mando-Birnin Gwari road in Kaduna State, valued at N178.12 billion, was also approved, fulfilling a campaign promise tied to improving northern connectivity.

Why Carter Bridge Must Be Rebuilt

The Minister explained that multiple engineering investigations carried out over the years confirmed that the Carter Bridge had reached a critical structural stage.

He noted that underwater components had deteriorated significantly, making rehabilitation impossible.

The new design will expand the bridge from 1.525 kilometres to 1.93 kilometres, including additional flyover ramps to reduce traffic congestion.

Strategic Economic Impact

The government says the projects are designed to stimulate economic growth, improve logistics efficiency, and create jobs nationwide.

According to Umahi, the cost of the Sokoto-Badagry Expressway—estimated at N3.2 billion per kilometre—compares favourably with previous projects like the Abuja-Kano highway.

He also disclosed that the project attracted strong international investor interest, with financing offers exceeding expectations.

Additional Projects Across States

Other approved projects include:

Ibadan–Ijebu-Ode road dualisation (N295bn)

Oshogbo–Akoda–Bunga road (N101bn)

Oshogbo–Iwo–Ibadan road (N114bn)

Yobe–Gombe road project valued at N1.25 trillion

In the South-South region, a Bodo-Bonny road extension valued at N151 billion was also approved to improve access to key oil and gas infrastructure.

Projects Ready for Commissioning

Umahi further revealed that several completed projects will be commissioned ahead of Tinubu’s third anniversary in office.

These include sections of the Lagos-Calabar Highway, the Abuja-Kaduna road corridor, and multiple bridge and expressway upgrades nationwide.

Outlook

The scale of the approvals signals an aggressive push by the Federal Government to address Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit.

Analysts say the success of these projects will depend heavily on execution speed, funding transparency, and long-term maintenance strategies.

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FG Sets December 2025 Opening for Lagos–Calabar Highway Amid Court Ruling on Winhomes’ Legal Battle

housingtv — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 10:55:10 +0000

The Federal Government has announced that the first 47-kilometre section of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway will be opened to traffic in December 2025, marking a major milestone in Nigeria’s infrastructure development.

Minister of Works, David Umahi, revealed the schedule during an inspection tour of the highway, noting that the opening is planned between December 12 and 17. The 750-kilometre highway connects nine coastal states, promising improved trade and mobility across southern Nigeria.

“This project must be completed. We are on the president’s directive, working to ensure public access by December,” Umahi said, highlighting cooperation with contractors to finalize the stretch from channel 0 to channel 47, with full completion of Section 1 and half of Section 2 targeted for April 2026.

In a related development, the minister addressed media claims by Stella Okengwu, CEO of Winhomes Global Services Limited, concerning alleged interference with a purported residential development along the highway route. Umahi emphasized that the Federal High Court dismissed Winhomes’ suit for lack of jurisdiction, noting that the company had sold its interest in the disputed land to third parties.

“The court clarified that Winhomes no longer held any legal claim over the property,” Umahi explained. “Allegations circulated online are misleading and could discourage investors. The highway project remains on course to benefit Nigerians and foreign investors alike.”

Officials stressed that the December opening will provide critical connectivity along the Lagos–Calabar corridor, supporting commerce, travel, and regional economic growth.

The Federal Government’s commitment to completing the highway, alongside robust legal and procedural clarity, underscores Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to improve road infrastructure and attract investment across strategic transport corridors.

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Court Ends Winhomes’ Legal Battle Over Coastal Highway Land

housingtv — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 08:42:49 +0000

The long-running dispute between Winhomes Estate Global Services Ltd and the Federal Government over a stretch of land along the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway came to a definitive end after a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos struck out the company’s suit for lack of jurisdiction.

For months, the battle had grown into a high-stakes confrontation, with the real estate firm insisting that the planned highway threatened plots it claimed to own on the Lagos shoreline.

The company’s CEO, Ifeoma Okengwu, asked the court to stop the Ministry of Works from touching the land and demanded $250 million as damages.

Justice Akintayo Aluko, however, delivered a ruling that shifted the weight of the controversy. The court held that Winhomes had already sold or transferred its interest in the disputed land to third parties, leaving it without the legal capacity to sue.

The judge explained that the claims bordered on trespass and fell under matters governed by the Land Use Act, which do not fall within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court under Section 251 of the Constitution.

The ruling marked a decisive turn in a dispute that had drawn significant public interest. Many observers followed the case closely because the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway represents one of the federal government’s most ambitious infrastructural projects, promising to reshape transport, commerce, and coastal tourism.

The court decision effectively cleared the path for the Ministry of Works to continue work along the approved Right of Way after months of demolition activities, compensation offers, and tense engagements with shoreline communities.

The ministry maintained that the verdict confirms that its actions followed legal procedures and technical guidelines, describing the lawsuit as a distraction from a project expected to benefit millions of Nigerians.

For residents and businesses affected by the construction, the judgment brings clarity—ending a high-profile legal confrontation and reaffirming the federal government’s authority to move forward with one of Nigeria’s biggest infrastructural transformations in decades.

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Gilbert Chagoury, Miziara, and the Lebanese-Nigerian Connection

housingtv — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 07:44:55 +0000

Miziara, a small Lebanese village of 6,000 people overlooking the Mediterranean, symbolizes the deep ties between Lebanon and Nigeria. Many from Miziara have emigrated to Nigeria, where the Lebanese community now numbers between 30,000 and 100,000. Many Lebanese-Nigerians, including fourth-generation families, proudly call Nigeria home.

The village’s main street is named after Gilbert Chagoury, Miziara’s most famous son and benefactor. Pierre Daaboul, Deputy Mayor of Miziara, described him as “like a godfather” due to his significant investments in local infrastructure and education. Daaboul adds, “About 80 percent of the village works in Nigeria because they make much more money there.”

Born in Nigeria in 1946 to Lebanese parents, Gilbert Chagoury studied briefly in Lebanon before returning to Nigeria, where he founded The Chagoury Group in 1971. The group is now a major Nigerian conglomerate with interests in construction, real estate, agribusiness, and hospitality. Notable projects include Eko Hotels and Eko Atlantic City; a massive land reclamation project designed to protect Lagos from coastal erosion.

The Chagoury Group is also building the 700 km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, a key infrastructure project. While some have questioned the contract awards, government officials highlight the company’s expertise and capacity.

Chagoury’s ties to Nigeria haven’t been without controversy, notably linked to the late General Sani Abacha. He denied wrongdoing, paid fines, and returned funds to Nigeria.

Beyond business, Chagoury is a philanthropist and art lover, honored by the Pope and France for his contributions. His donations include a priceless tapestry to the Louvre and significant COVID-19 relief efforts in Lagos.

Though his roots are in Lebanon, Nigeria is where Gilbert Chagoury has made his mark, building a legacy of business success and cultural connection that bridges two continents.

By: Simbo Olorunfemi
Source: Proshare

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Protesters Demand Justice, Compensation Over Lagos-Calabar Highway Demolitions

housingtv — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 17:10:43 +0000

Dozens of aggrieved citizens on Thursday stormed the Federal Ministry of Works in Abuja, demanding immediate and fair compensation for properties demolished along the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project corridor.

Chanting slogans and holding placards that read messages like “Ministry of Works is complicit in abrupt road diversion” and “International investors deserve protection, not demolition,” the protesters voiced strong discontent over what they described as the government’s insensitivity to property owners affected by the highway construction.

Speaking on behalf of the demonstrators, one of the group leaders emphasized the urgency of justice and accountability.

“We are here with others who believe in fairness and equity. You don’t take people’s legally acquired properties—properties with valid Certificates of Occupancy—without proper compensation and expect silence. What we want is justice. When do we want it? Now,” he declared.

He criticized the manner in which the government handled the road diversion, saying it had left many Nigerians devastated after investing in properties that were suddenly demolished without prior warning or adequate redress.

“We support infrastructure development, but it must not come at the cost of people’s livelihoods. You cannot invite citizens and Nigerians in the diaspora to invest in their homeland, only to destroy what they’ve built without restitution. It sends the wrong message and discourages further investment,” he added.

The protesters also raised concerns about the whereabouts of a young Nigerian, Obanla, reportedly detained during the demolition exercise. His continued disappearance, according to them, raises human rights concerns.

“Obanla was taken from the site, and till now, we don’t know where he is. We are calling for his immediate release. Enough is enough,” the speaker insisted.

Calling on the National Assembly to intervene, the demonstrators urged lawmakers to hold the Works Ministry accountable. They argued that just as the nation found the means to reward athletes for excellence, it must also compensate citizens whose properties have been unjustly taken.

“If we have millions to reward the Super Falcons, we should have the same resources to compensate those whose homes and investments were destroyed. These people worked hard for what they owned,” he said.

As at the time of the protest, officials of the ministry were unavailable to respond to the demands, with reports indicating that the minister was out of town.

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FG Approves N3.09tn for Lagos-Calabar Highway, Key Road Projects

housingtv — Mon, 03 Feb 2025 21:51:42 +0000

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved N3.09 trillion for major road projects across Nigeria, including sections of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and several other key infrastructure works in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, disclosed this on Monday after the year’s first FEC meeting in Abuja. According to him, the approvals cover a wide range of projects aimed at improving road infrastructure and boosting connectivity across states. Among the major approvals is the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, a critical project designed to enhance transportation and economic activity along Nigeria’s coastline. President Bola Tinubu has directed that work begin on the Calabar and Akwa Ibom sections while construction continues in Lagos and Ogun states. The highway, which spans 130 kilometers in this phase, is projected to cost N1.334 trillion under the EPC+10 model.

Apart from the coastal highway, Umahi revealed that N102 billion has been approved for six major road projects, including the reconstruction of sections of the Abuja–Lokoja highway. The minister noted that parts of the road, originally built by RCC and Dantata & Sawoe, have started to fail. While contractors cited high temperatures as a reason, Umahi dismissed the claim and confirmed that those sections are being rebuilt. Other key projects approved include Ado-Ekiti and Igede road projects worth N5.4 billion, road construction in Ogun, Ekiti, and Katsina states, and the reconstruction of the Third Mainland Bridge and Carter Bridge pile foundations at N3.57 billion to prevent further deterioration.

FEC also approved N618.9 billion for constructing access roads to the Second Niger Bridge. The Delta State section will cost N470.9 billion, while the Anambra section will be completed for N148 billion. Additionally, the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway Phase Two, Section One, has been approved at N195 billion under the CBC model, alongside the Abuja–Karu Road contract. The government also allocated funds for major road rehabilitation projects, including the Onitsha–Owerri Expressway at N22 billion, Wusasa–Jos Road in Kaduna State at N18 billion, and three sections of the Lokoja–Benin Road in concrete: Obajana–Benin at N64 billion, Auchi–Edo at N110 billion, and the Benin Airport section at N131 billion. A road project spanning Abia and Enugu states has also been approved at N12.75 billion.

HOUSING IS A RIGHT NOT A PRIVILEGE

Regarding the Abuja-Kano road, Umahi confirmed that the contract previously awarded to Julius Berger had been terminated. The project has now been split into two sections: Section 1 from the FCT to the Niger State boundary, plus an additional 5.71 kilometers into Kogi State, and Section 3 in Kano, extended by 17 kilometers. This 118-kilometer stretch will also feature solar-powered street lighting and will be mostly built with concrete, except for the Kano section, which will use asphalt. The total cost for this project is estimated at N252 billion.

In the FCT, Minister of State for the FCT, Mariya Mahmoud, revealed that five infrastructure projects were approved, including the Maushi Bus Terminal Access Road at N30.97 billion to be handled by Setraco Nigeria Limited, the Arterial Road N1 from Wuye District to Ring Road 2 at N62.50 billion by Arab Contractors OAO Nigeria Limited, the Kuje–Gwagwalada Dual Carriageway at N67.50 billion by Gilmore Engineering Nigeria Limited, the Old Keffi Road Rehabilitation spanning 15 kilometers from Kado Village to Dei-Dei at N26.87 billion by Lubric Construction Company Limited, and the Renewed Hope Cities Access Road covering Cadastral Zone V06 & Karsana West, Abuja, at N31.66 billion also by Lubric Construction Company Limited.

Minister of Transportation, Said Alkali, also announced FEC’s approval of a $45.3 million feasibility study and engineering design for a new road alignment. The proposed road will connect the Badagry Deep Sea Port to Tin Can Island, Tin Can to Apapa, Lekki Sea Port to Ijebu Ode, and finally link Kajola to the Lagos-Kano-Maradi railway modernization project. With these approvals, the government is taking significant steps to upgrade Nigeria’s road network, enhance connectivity, and drive economic growth.

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FG addresses public curiosity on Lagos-Calabar Highway, says project at rapid pace

housingtv — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 16:39:04 +0000

The Federal Ministry of Works has pledged to continue to address the high level of public interest and curiosity surrounding the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project.

Mrs Olukorede Kesha, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, made the assertion during a site visit of the construction project with the Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE) on Thursday in Lagos.

According to her, many people have been asking questions about the project’s scope, scale, and progress.

She said that the ministry, recognising this public interest, took the initiative to provide a platform for public engagement and information sharing, hence it organised the technical visit.

The visit is also a part of the continuous and professional development of engineers.

Kesha said: “We are here at the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway, you will agree with me that it’s a mega project.

“It’s the talk of the town and everyone has been asking individual questions, when they see us on the road they will want to know if the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway is four lanes, two lanes or 10 lanes.

“They will ask us what it is made up of why is the money like that and what are they doing?.

“So, we decided to say, instead of answering individuals, let us come together as a society; the Nigerian Society of Engineers with our sister body, like the Institution of Civil Engineers.

“Seeing is believing, let’s see things for yourself. So, you know how your money is being spent. Hence we organise this technical visit and it’s part of the continuous and professional development of engineers.

“It is part of the mandate of the society of engineers to take engineers to development sites, sites of engineering concern so that they can see and thereafter develop from there,’’ Kesha said.

The controller, who provided the engineers with an update on the progress of the coastal highway project added that the progress was at a rapid pace with substantial work completed.

She told them that extensive sand filling had been carried out over a distance of 12 kilometres to stabilise the ground.

Kesha said that the construction of the road itself was underway, with the road being divided into two sections in certain areas to avoid disrupting existing buildings.

She commended the contractor, HITECH Construction Company, for the good job so far done, adding that the contractor had the necessary capacity and resources to ensure timely completion.

“ This is about one of the best-performing projects in the country at the moment. As I said, the contractor has the capacity, and the capacity is not in doubt, even by any layman or a blind person.

“If you go by the number of equipment that is assembled at Oniru, you will agree with me that they have the capacity, and all the capacity has been deployed, and they work here day and night,’’ she stressed.

The Chairman, NSE Ikeja Branch, Mrs Nimot Muili, said that the project would offer valuable learning opportunities for engineers at all levels, from students to senior professionals.

She also said that it would boost economic growth by facilitating trade, commerce, and investment, and improve infrastructure, including roads, power, and transportation, leading to better living conditions and business opportunities.

Muili further said that the project showcased the importance of collaboration among engineers from different organisations to achieve significant infrastructure projects.

“ We collaborated with the Lagos branch, Nigeria Institute of Civil Engineers to come out as a formidable body, collaboration is key for any development and I’m excited about what we’ve seen.

“The level of expertise is being deployed locally, working with other international organisations, developers, designers, as well as the Federal Ministry of Works, and the level of professionalism being displayed by all involved is commendable.

“That means, Nigeria engineers are doing very well, and we could do better,’’ she said.

NAN reports that before visiting the coastal road, the group toured Eko Atlantic City, where they learned about land reclamation techniques from a representative of HITECH Company.

The tour aimed to provide engineers, including students and seasoned professionals, with valuable insights into modern engineering practices and infrastructure development.

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FG hires six SANs for Lagos-Calabar highway suit

housingtv — Wed, 16 Oct 2024 18:27:45 +0000

The Ministry of Works has engaged the services of six Senior Advocates of Nigeria to defend lawsuits initiated by aggrieved persons concerning the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project.

One of the legal suits is seeking information regarding the N15tn budget allocated for the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.

The SANs representing Umahi include Abiodun Owonikoko, Mahmud Mogaji, Prof. J. Olatoke, Yakubu Ruba, Roy Nweze, and Emmanuel Esene.

Our correspondent gathered that their involvement was confirmed in a Memorandum of Conditional Appearance filed before the Federal High Court in Lagos.

In August 2024, the works minister, David Umahi, revealed that there are over six court cases against the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.

BUY HOUSE NAIJA

He, however, assured that the government would not be deterred as the project went through restrictive procurement and compensation has been paid.

A suit initiated by rights lawyer, Olukoya Ogungbeje, asked the court to compel the Federal Ministry of Works, Minister Umahi, and the Federal Government to disclose details of the N15tn budget for the 700-kilometer Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project.

Ogungbeje filed the case under the Freedom of Information Act, following the failure of the Ministry and its officials to provide the requested information within the statutory timeframe.

In his suit, Ogungbeje is seeking several key reliefs, including, “A Declaration that the refusal or failure by the respondents to furnish information regarding the N15tn Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway budget, despite receiving the applicant’s request dated April 7, 2024, constitutes a violation of the Freedom of Information Act.

The lawyer through an Order of Mandamus dated April 12, 2024, also asked the court to compel respondents to perform their official duty by providing the requested information concerning the project as per the applicant’s request immediately, through the applicant’s solicitors.

It also demanded a fine of N20m against Umahi for allegedly denying access to the requested information.

Responding, Justice Akintayo Aluko, in granting Ogungbeje’s ex-parte motion on June 7, 2024, permitted the applicant to seek judicial review.

The court also granted leave to Ogungbeje to apply for a mandamus order compelling the respondents to disclose the details of the N15tn Lagos-Calabar project.

The motion hearing has been scheduled for January 27, 2025.

As of now, the respondents, including Umahi, have not submitted any official responses to the suit, aside from the filing of the Memorandum of Conditional Appearance by their legal team.

When contacted, the Special adviser on media to the minister, Uchenna Orji, declined to comment on the move by the minister.

He said in a WhatsApp message, “We don’t discuss matters in court and strategies for litigation in public.”

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