Coastal Highway Saga: Funding Debates Erupt Over Nigeria's Ambitious Infrastructure Project

The proposed Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project has garnered significant support from key Nigerian figures, who insist on its execution according to its original design, traversing all states in the South-South region. Joseph Ambakederimo, Convener of the South-South Reawakening Group, emphasized that the project must not be diverted or realigned with the East-West Road, arguing that Nigeria possesses ample resources to fund such a critical infrastructure.

Ambakederimo proposed an innovative funding mechanism: allocating 50,000 barrels of crude oil daily to finance the highway. He stated, "Allocate 50,000 barrels of crude oil every day. And pay. And get it done." He rejected the notion that Nigeria lacks the financial capacity, citing the successful financing of past major projects like the Third Mainland Bridge with crude oil resources. He further asserted that the abundance of oil and gas in Nigeria should be harnessed for national development, questioning what truly holds the nation back from building essential infrastructure.

Honourable Kingsley Kuku, former chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, echoed the call for the project to maintain its original coastal route. He described the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as a long-standing aspiration for Niger Delta development, dating back to the 1950s when Nigeria's first Finance Minister, Chief Festus Okotie-Eboh, first suggested a coastal transport corridor connecting communities from Koko to Oghara and Lagos. Kuku commended President Bola Tinubu for demonstrating the political will to finally commence this decades-old dream, asserting that the Niger Delta people strongly support the President's initiative.

Both Ambakederimo and Kuku firmly rejected any plans to divert the coastal highway to align with the existing East-West Road. They stressed that the East-West Road should instead be rehabilitated as a separate and distinct project. Kuku underscored the importance of connecting coastal communities to "humanity, to civilization," dismissing cost as an "insult" and terrain as an invalid reason to hinder development. Ambakederimo also dismissed the characterization of the South-South as difficult terrain, stating that modern engineering and technology can overcome any environmental challenges.

Addressing concerns about financing, Kuku defended the use of loans for such projects, drawing parallels to former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke's successful execution of projects like Tinapa and Obudu Ranch using state contributions and loans. He argued that President Tinubu is wisely investing these loans into the coastal road, highlighting that securing loans for development is a common and acceptable practice. Ambakederimo, too, emphasized Nigeria's capability to fund its development, including the necessity to increase crude oil production to at least 5 million barrels per day to sustain national growth and satisfy the needs of its burgeoning population.

Regarding potential environmental impacts and feasibility, Ambakederimo stated that thorough feasibility studies would have already been conducted. He urged engineers to review existing plans and guide the project's execution rather than resorting to route diversions. Kuku further stressed the critical need for extensive consultations with relevant stakeholders and affected communities, particularly concerning land acquisition, environmental safeguards, and compensation, before committing significant funds like $1.8 billion to the project.

The South-South Reawakening Group, led by Ambakederimo, affirmed its commitment to continued engagement with the federal government and other stakeholders. Their objective is to ensure the coastal highway is completed as originally designed, emphasizing that the region possesses its own engineers, architects, and professionals capable of collaborating with the government on the project. Ambakederimo also highlighted concerns about the President not being properly informed on issues like the Ogoni question, which he believes hinders sound pronouncements on increasing oil production.

In summary, proponents view the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as a vital, long-overdue development for the Niger Delta and the entire nation. They advocate for its strict adherence to the original coastal alignment, separate from the East-West Road, and propose various robust funding strategies, asserting that political will and engineering expertise can overcome any perceived challenges of cost, terrain, or environmental impact, provided proper consultations and planning are undertaken.