The exclusion of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project from the 2025 federal budget proposal has sparked controversy and raised concerns about its funding and execution.
The ambitious coastal road project, which has been a signature initiative of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is expected to cost around N16 trillion.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road has been a subject of debate since its inception in 2023, with questions about its funding mechanism, which was initially slated to follow a public-private partnership (PPP) arrangement. Despite the challenges, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved a N1.07 trillion contract for the construction of the first phase of the road last year.
The first phase covers a 47.47-kilometer stretch, including dual carriageways and a train track, extending from Ahmadu Bello in Lagos to Lekki Deep Seaport.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, highlighted that while the federal government had committed to funding the project, there were funding challenges. A solution was reached to fast-track phase one, with President Tinubu approving N1.07 trillion for the first 47.47 kilometers. However, the lack of allocation for the project in the 2025 budget has raised fresh questions about its financing and overall viability.
The Federal Ministry of Works’ capital allocation for 2025 is N1.06 trillion, but the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road, which is already under construction, was notably absent from the budget document. BudgIT, a civic-tech organization, pointed out the omission and warned that this could lead to the reallocation of funds from other critical projects, potentially delaying or hindering their progress.
Furthermore, BudgIT expressed concern over the unrealistic budget projections and the lack of breakdowns for some ministries, departments, and agencies’ allocations. The group also criticized the National Assembly for introducing numerous projects that deviate from the original budget proposal, leading to inefficiency and misalignment with the nation’s long-term development goals.
As the 2025 budget undergoes review, BudgIT has urged lawmakers to prioritize national interests, ensure responsible fiscal planning, and align the budget with the country’s economic goals to avoid undermining critical infrastructure projects like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road.
