In a recent development that has sparked widespread discussion, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has publicly criticized the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, for what he described as evasive responses regarding the cost of the ambitious Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, approved by President Bola Tinubu. The governor’s remarks, made during a public address on Friday, October 10, 2025, were in response to a heated exchange earlier in the week between Umahi and Arise TV presenter Rufai Oseni. The altercation, which has since gained significant attention, centered on Umahi’s reluctance to provide a clear breakdown of the project’s cost on a per-kilometer basis, raising questions about transparency and accountability in one of Nigeria’s most prominent infrastructure initiatives.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, a flagship project under President Tinubu’s administration, is envisioned as a transformative infrastructure endeavor aimed at connecting coastal states, boosting economic activity, and facilitating transportation along Nigeria’s southern corridor. However, the project has been shrouded in controversy, particularly regarding its financial details. During the now-viral interview with Arise TV, Oseni pressed Umahi for specifics on the cost per kilometer of the highway, a standard metric often used to evaluate the financial scope of road construction projects. Umahi, however, dismissed the question as “elementary,” arguing that costs vary across different sections of the road due to factors such as terrain, materials, and technical requirements. The minister, who described himself as a “professor in this field,” went further to assert that Oseni lacked the technical expertise to comprehend the complexities involved in determining the project’s cost structure.
Umahi’s response during the interview was notably combative. “Keep quiet and stop saying what you don’t know,” he told Oseni, emphasizing that “the prices are different. The next kilometer is different from the next kilometer.” This dismissive tone and refusal to provide a straightforward answer sparked criticism from various quarters, with many questioning why a public official overseeing a project of such national significance could not offer clarity on its financial implications. The exchange quickly became a talking point, with analysts and citizens alike expressing concern over the apparent lack of transparency in the project’s budgeting process.
Governor Makinde, known for his outspokenness and commitment to accountability, seized the opportunity to weigh in on the matter, defending Oseni’s line of questioning and challenging Umahi’s evasiveness. Speaking during a public event in Oyo State, Makinde argued that there was no justification for the minister’s reluctance to provide a clear answer. “They asked a minister how much the coastal road is, and then you’re dancing around, saying the next kilometer is different from the next. Then what is the average cost?” Makinde queried, highlighting the importance of transparency in public projects. His remarks underscored a broader call for openness in governance, particularly when it comes to large-scale infrastructure projects funded by taxpayers’ money.
To drive home his point, Makinde drew a comparison between the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and road projects executed under his administration in Oyo State. He provided detailed cost breakdowns for two specific projects to illustrate how such information can and should be communicated to the public. “When we did the Oyo to Iseyin road, it was about ₦9.99 billion for roughly 35 kilometers, an average of ₦238 million per kilometer,” Makinde explained. He further elaborated on the Iseyin to Ogbomoso road project, stating, “For the Iseyin to Ogbomoso road, 76 kilometers cost ₦43 billion, about ₦500 million per kilometer. And that included two bridges.” By presenting these figures, Makinde not only demonstrated his administration’s commitment to transparency but also challenged Umahi to adopt a similar approach in addressing public concerns about the coastal highway project.
Makinde’s critique resonates in the context of Nigeria’s ongoing struggle with transparency in public spending. Infrastructure projects, particularly those of the scale of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, often involve billions of naira and have far-reaching implications for the nation’s economy and development. Citizens and stakeholders have a right to know how their resources are being allocated, especially given Nigeria’s history of cost inflation and mismanagement in public projects. The governor’s intervention has reignited discussions about the need for accountability in governance, with many calling for Umahi to provide a detailed cost breakdown to dispel suspicions of impropriety.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is a critical project with the potential to transform Nigeria’s coastal economy, improve connectivity, and drive tourism and trade. Spanning multiple states, the highway is expected to link major economic hubs, including Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River. However, its success depends not only on its execution but also on public trust, which can only be earned through transparency and accountability. Umahi’s refusal to provide clear cost estimates has fueled skepticism, with some critics speculating that the project’s financial details may be deliberately obscured to avoid scrutiny.
Makinde’s comments have also highlighted the broader issue of communication between government officials and the media. The media plays a crucial role in holding public officials accountable, and dismissive responses to legitimate questions undermine democratic principles. By defending Oseni, Makinde positioned himself as an advocate for press freedom and the public’s right to know. His emphasis on providing clear, verifiable figures for Oyo State’s road projects sets a standard for other public officials to follow, reinforcing the idea that transparency is not optional but essential in governance.
The controversy surrounding Umahi’s interview and Makinde’s subsequent response has sparked a broader debate about infrastructure funding in Nigeria. Many citizens are now calling for standardized reporting mechanisms for public projects, including mandatory disclosures of cost per kilometer and detailed breakdowns of budgetary allocations. Such measures could help rebuild public trust and ensure that projects like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway deliver value for money.
As the debate continues, the onus is on Minister Umahi and the federal government to address the concerns raised by Makinde and others. Providing a clear and comprehensive cost breakdown for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway would not only demonstrate a commitment to transparency but also strengthen public confidence in the project. For now, Makinde’s intervention serves as a reminder that accountability remains a cornerstone of good governance, and public officials must be prepared to answer tough questions about how public funds are spent. The coming weeks will likely see increased scrutiny of the coastal highway project, with stakeholders watching closely to see how the federal government responds to the growing demand for clarity.
