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Lagos-Calabar Highway: Umahi Projects N1.67 Trn As RoI In 15 Years—-The Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, has projected a Return on Investment (ROI) of  around N1.67 trillion in 15 years on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway corridor.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 700km Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project is designed to connect Lagos to Cross River, passing through the coastal states of Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom, before culminating in Cross River.

Umahi gave the estimate while addressing newsmen and Stakeholders  during a meeting on Lagos-Coastal Highway projects, at the Eko Hotel, on Thursday in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the minister gave the total estimates based on the classification of vehicles  to be tolled when the project is completed.

”I ran the figures this morning. That is if the 47.47km Phase I is completed and I toll on the two sections, I give an average of 50,000 vehicles, the big vehicles will be charged about N6,000, the small ones will pay between N1,000 and  N1,500.

“Lets make it that an average of N3, 000 would be charged, In fact, when I rounded the figures, I will have about 1.67trillion in 15 years. So, the ROI will be huge,” he said.

The minister said that the total cost of the coastal road project could not be fixed, saying if inflation hits,  the project would have to be reviewed.

“Some people say we paid 1.067 trillion, the answer is No. We paid money according to the procurement act and according to the policy of the Federal Ministry of Works

Umahi noted that the project would boost economic activity, improve transportation, and create a more enjoyable travel experience.

He said, “along the corridor, tourism will be developed, there will be increased economic activity with estates, factories, etc., transportation network will improve, and train stations will increase activity and there will be faster water transportation.’’

Umahi said that the project, which aims to make road travel more attractive than air travel, would have amenities along the corridors such as solar lighting, toll stations, filling stations, hotels, and CCTV cameras for improved security and faster response times to incidents.

The minister, who acknowledged that the coastal road’s importance was a national asset with the potential to attract foreign investments, noted that it required acquiring land which might be problematic for some property owners.

He used the proverb “you can’t make an omelette without breaking eggs” to acknowledge the potential hardship caused by land acquisition.

He said that the government prefers a negotiated settlement with property owners instead of relying solely on legal processes.

The minister acknowledged the government’s ultimate authority over land ownership.

He however, appealed to property owners for their cooperation and avoid confrontational approach.

NAN reports that the stakeholders at the meeting- the royal fathers, politicians, land owners and estate developers, described the projects as laudable, raised issues about having a reasonable amount as compensation and pleaded that it be timely, among others.

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Lagos 2027: Governor Sanwo-Olu Endorses Obafemi Hamzat as APC Aspirant

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Sanwo-Olu Endorses Obafemi Hamzat as APC Aspirant

Lagos 2027: Governor Sanwo-Olu Endorses Obafemi Hamzat as APC Aspirant—-Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has thrown his weight behind his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, as his preferred successor for the 2027 governorship election—an early move that is already stirring quiet conversations within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The endorsement did not come in the open. Instead, it followed a closed-door meeting at Lagos House, Marina, where Hamzat reportedly informed key stakeholders of his intention to run. Present at the gathering were members of the State Executive Council, party leaders, and influential figures within the Governor’s Advisory Council.

Among those in attendance were former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, and former senator Ganiyu Solomon—names that signal the weight of the political bloc involved in the discussions.

Speaking afterwards, Sanwo-Olu described the decision as “unanimous,” framing it as a consensus among party stakeholders. But the speed and timing of the endorsement—well ahead of party primaries—have raised eyebrows about how firmly the succession plan may already be taking shape behind the scenes.

“We just received Mr Deputy… to inform us of his intention,” the governor said, adding that those present agreed he is “fit and well-prepared” for the role.

Sanwo-Olu leaned heavily on Hamzat’s track record and their long-standing working relationship, portraying him as a loyal and capable hand ready to take over. He went further, suggesting that Hamzat has effectively been groomed for the position from the outset.

“This is a deputy governor that is worth a governor from day one,” he said.

In a remark that may further fuel speculation, the governor also referenced President Bola Tinubu’s enduring influence in Lagos politics, hinting that the current development could be part of a longer-term political vision.

Observers note that describing the gathering as a “family meeting” may reflect the tightly knit nature of decision-making within the state’s political structure—where major alignments are often settled before they reach the public stage.

While Hamzat has long been regarded as a key player in Lagos politics, the early endorsement positions him more clearly at the centre of succession discussions, even before a formal campaign has begun.

With more than a year to go before party primaries, the move is already reshaping conversations within the APC, where control of Lagos—Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre—remains one of the most strategic political prizes.

Whether this early alignment holds or faces internal pushback in the months ahead is a question many party watchers are now quietly asking

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2027 Elections: Atiku Abubakar Backs Consensus Candidate for African Democratic Congress, Keeps Primaries as Option

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Atiku Abubakar Backs Consensus Candidate for African Democratic Congress

2027 Elections: Atiku Abubakar Backs Consensus Candidate for African Democratic Congress, Keeps Primaries as Option—-Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar says the African Democratic Congress (ADC) will prioritise a consensus approach in selecting its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, but may conduct primaries if internal talks fail.

Speaking on a prime-time programme on Arise TV, Atiku explained that party leaders are working to avoid internal disputes by rallying around a single candidate through dialogue and agreement.

He expressed confidence that stakeholders would reach a common ground, noting that experienced politicians within the party understand the importance of unity.

According to him, the ADC is focused on strengthening Nigeria’s democracy, with members committed to managing differences without causing division.

Atiku also reiterated his willingness to support whoever emerges as the party’s flagbearer, regardless of the selection method.

He further stated that he is open to stepping aside for any aspirant, including Peter Obi, if they emerge as the preferred choice, emphasizing that unity within the party remains the top priority ahead of the 2027 elections.

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