Donald Duke Wrong on Lagos-Calabar Highway Project, Says Tinubu’s Aide

By George Omagbemi

Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, has dismissed criticisms by former Cross River State Governor and Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) presidential candidate, Donald Duke, over the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, insisting that the initiative should be judged by its long-term economic and infrastructure benefits rather than its immediate cost.

Duke had, during an interview on ARISE News on Tuesday, questioned the Federal Government’s decision to proceed with the multi-billion-naira project. He argued that the enormous funds earmarked for the highway could be channelled into other critical sectors of the economy.

The former governor also expressed doubts about the project’s scope, claiming it would not extend beyond the Epe axis of Lagos State. He further questioned the necessity of constructing a new coastal road when an existing route already links Lagos to Calabar.

Reacting on Wednesday, Ajayi rejected Duke’s assessment, saying the criticism failed to appreciate the broader vision behind the project.

According to the presidential aide, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway—recently renamed the President Bola Tinubu Coastal Highway—is a strategic national infrastructure designed to unlock economic opportunities, improve connectivity and stimulate development across communities along Nigeria’s southern coastline.

Ajayi argued that evaluating the project solely on its financial cost overlooks its potential to drive investment, boost commerce and enhance regional integration over the long term.

The highway project has remained one of the Tinubu administration’s most ambitious infrastructure initiatives, but it has also generated widespread public debate over its cost, financing model, alignment and implementation since construction commenced.

Despite the concerns raised by critics, the Federal Government has continued to defend the project, maintaining that it is a transformative investment aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s transport network and supporting economic growth.