Nigeria’s Minister of Works, David Umahi, announced on October 13, 2025, that the initial 47.4-kilometer section of the 700-kilometer Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway costs 1.067 trillion naira, equivalent to about $51 million per kilometer, incorporating features like solar lighting, reinforced structures for swampy areas, flyovers, and tree planting.

“A standard coastal road is going for N7.5 billion per kilometer of standard highway; however, this N7.5 billion includes all the fillings, shoulder protection, solar lighting throughout, and planting of trees.” He declared

The project, awarded without bidding to Hitech Construction for an estimated $13 billion, connects Lagos to Calabar across nine states to enhance trade and tourism however has drawn criticism for its high costs amid economic pressures.

 Umahi defended the expenses by comparing them to other complex projects.