EVENTS
Landowners sue FG over N15tn Lagos-Calabar highway

Published
7 months agoon
By
Ekwutos Blog
The Federal Government has insisted that it would continue construction of the 700km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway despite ongoing court cases filed by aggrieved persons against the project.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, stated this at a press briefing on Thursday in Abuja while addressing serious concerns about the project’s procurement process that led to court proceedings by landowners.
He stated that the N15.36tn coastal highway, which will be built on concrete pavement, received all necessary legal and procedural requirements before it commenced construction.
The coastal highway has been a subject of public scrutiny and controversies since the government commenced construction in March 2024.
Health 360: Sudden Death
0:00 / 0:00
In May, Umahi disclosed that 750 houses on the path of the highway had been marked for demolition.
However, owners of affected property were displeased with the government compensation, claiming it did not match their investments.
According to them, the compensation is grossly inadequate and there is the need for the government to review the payment.
The founder of Leisure Games, Olanrewaju Ojo, who got N1.3m compensation, told The PUNCH that the amount was what he could generate in a week.
He said, “This is ridiculous! What am I supposed to do with this? I will make this in a week.”
Stakeholders and experts also condemned the road procurement process, stressing that the contract awarded to the construction company was shrouded in secrecy and bypassed the proper procurement process.
The project, designed to connect Lagos to Cross River, passes through the coastal states of Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Edo Bayelsa, Rivers and Akwa Ibom, before culminating in Cross River. It is crucial for enhancing connectivity and boosting economic activities along Nigeria’s coastal region.
The road is expected to cost N4bn per kilometre, with the government awarding contracts for two sections of less than 100km at a total cost of N2.46tn.
Umahi also said the legacy project would be delivered in eight years.
However, this timeline may not be achievable as the minister hinted that the delay would affect the overall project delivery and increase its cost.
During the press briefing organised to mark his first anniversary in office, Umahi reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to completing the project, asserting that all legal and procedural requirements were followed.
“We are paying compensation. We are following the corridor’s right of way. We are following the corridor that is legally allowed for the Federal Government,” he stated, while dismissing claims that the project lacked proper authorisation.
“That is the beauty of democracy, and under the guise of democracy we have some fraudulent individuals who want to rip where they did not sow. We have not just one court case, we have over six, but we are equal to the task.
“They want to socket their pipes and that is all that they are doing. We are paying compensation.”
Expressing his confusion over the lawsuits, Umahi added, “And so, we don’t know what they are taking to court.”
He added that the project’s procurement process was above board, having been approved by the Federal Executive Council under the Restrictive Procurement Act.
“My Permanent Secretary is a procurement expert, and I have a very good Department of Public Procurement and good directors, but the project was approved by the Federal Executive Council under restrictive procurement,” he stated.
Umahi also defended the project’s cost, countering comparisons to other international projects.
“I’ve had to run even the cost of the project at N4bn per kilometre. And yet, people still come to say, ‘oh, this number of lanes in Egypt is N1.8bn. And it is 300 kilometres,’” he said, criticising those questioning the project without sufficient understanding.
The minister confirmed that all environmental social impact assessments had been completed and that the project was included in the 2023 supplementary appropriation.
“We have ESIA certificates on the project. That’s number one. Number two, was the project listed in the appropriation list? The project is in the 2023 supplementary appropriation. The project is ongoing. But the more you take us to court, the more we increase the price of work,” he noted.
Addressing those attempting to obstruct the project through legal means, the former Governor of Ebonyi State said, “If they want to unduly benefit from the project by going to court, they are wasting their time. I fought many battles as governor of my state. And so, my name is David and I’m not afraid of bad people.”
Umahi announced that no new project would be included in the 2025 budget unless directed by President Bola Tinubu, adding that instead, the government would focus on completing existing projects and intervening in critical areas such as roads and infrastructure.
“We need to fix the weak links immediately. If the road is bad, we need to fix it immediately,” Umahi emphasised.
The minister further highlighted initiatives aimed at ensuring value for money in government projects, including the removal of the Consumer Price Index from all contracts and the introduction of inflow pricing.
“We are committed to giving the government value for money spent on the projects,” he added.
Additionally, Umahi outlined the ministry’s new four-way project provision, which mandates that four field staff be on-site to monitor project execution.
This will be complemented by mission planning, where stakeholders, including communities, road users, and other actors, will be engaged to monitor works and report any poor quality. “Engaging communities where the projects traverse is crucial,” Umahi noted.
He also acknowledged challenges related to funding, stating, “We have challenges,” and pointed out that the ministry’s allocation of N52bn for capital projects was inadequate for maintaining the 36,000km federal roads network.
Despite these obstacles, Umahi expressed optimism, introducing the second phase of the highway development initiative under a Public-Private Partnership scheme.
“The introduction of the new road infrastructure forecast provides a sustainable source of finance for road projects,” Umahi said, adding that the government had created a conducive atmosphere for tolling Nigerian roads with approvals from the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission.
You may like
Otti orders investigation as Fire Service officials switch off phones during fire disaster in Aba
As a L£gally married w0man. Atanda, how long do i need to wait before getting married to another man L£gally in case if my husband kpai? I hope there will be no need for Div0rce again
Supreme Court: Abure’s sack will restore peace, order in LP – Otti
1984 riots: Court records statement of former chief of Delhi Sikh body against Jagdish Tytler
Zinoleesky Welcomes New Addition to His Family
Police Arrest Impostor In Uniform For Inciting Comment Against Edo People On Social Media
EVENTS
Scavenger dies, three hospitalised as military grenade explodes in Lagos

Published
18 hours agoon
April 4, 2025By
Ekwutos Blog
A yet-to-be-identified scavenger has been killed after a military-grade grenade exploded at Idi-Araba in the Mushin area of Lagos State.
Ekwutosblog learnt that three other persons were injured in the incident, which occurred on Thursday.
It was gathered that some scavengers in a metal scrap yard were attempting to dismantle one of the grenades in their possession.
The device, however denoted in the process, killing one of them on the spot while three others sustained severe injuries.
A resident, Akin Olawale, told our correspondent on Friday that the explosion which occurred in the afternoon also resulted in panic among residents.
He said, “A sound of explosion was heard around past 12 pm and the police were immediately contacted because no one could ascertain the cause. It was later when the police arrived that we discovered that it was a grenade. The scavengers were trying to cut one of them open when it detonated.”
Two undetonated grenades were said to have been found after security operatives arrived at the spot.
Another resident, who does not want his name mentioned, citing security reasons said the injured persons were taken to the hospital.
“We saw a vehicle moving some injured persons to the hospital and that was when we knew what happened. Those people we saw were terribly injured. It was when the vehicle stopped by a filling station that we saw them. The driver could not even wait because of the queue,” the resident disclosed.
When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the incident, adding the Explosive and Ordinance Department of the command has rendered the place safe.
He said, “The explosion was caused by a military-grade grenade. One person was killed and three were hospitalised. The incident happened at about 1:30pm and the Explosive and Ordinance Department has rendered the place safe.
“The scene of the incident has also been cordoned off. There is a zero possibility of another explosion and investigation has commenced.”
EVENTS
Adeyanju Commends AIG Gumel for Stance Against Emergency Declaration in Rivers State Amidst Persecution by IGP Egbetokun, Says Nigeria Need Courageous Men Like Him

Published
18 hours agoon
April 4, 2025By
Ekwutos Blog
Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju has praised Assistant Inspector General of Police Usaini Gumel for his principled opposition to the recent illegal declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. In a statement released to journalists, Adeyanju lauded Gumel’s integrity and courage during a time when such values are often compromised.
Gumel’s willingness to publicly criticize this unconstitutional action, despite the sensitive nature of his position, serves as a beacon of hope for Nigeria, according to Adeyanju. “If more individuals like Gumel rise to speak out against the erosion of our democratic principles, there remains hope for a brighter future for Nigeria,” he stated.
However, the human rights lawyer expressed concern over the swift action taken by Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, who transferred Gumel to the Community Policing, Research, and Planning department. This transfer reportedly followed Gumel’s candid remarks about the state of emergency and the suspension of Governor Sim Fubara, raising questions about the integrity of the police force and the message it sends to those who challenge unlawful practices.
Adeyanju noted that Gumel’s comments were made informally among colleagues, and a breach of trust led to this unjust transfer, highlighting the urgent need for a supportive culture among those dedicated to justice.
He called on other courageous Nigerians, particularly those in positions of authority, to emulate Gumel’s example. “It is important that we collectively condemn acts of lawlessness and uphold our constitutional rights,” Adeyanju urged, emphasizing the importance of solidarity in the fight for justice and the preservation of democracy in Nigeria.
EVENTS
National police week: Imo CP engages stakeholders on security partnership

Published
1 day agoon
April 4, 2025By
Ekwutos Blog
The Imo State Police Command has advocated the need for stakeholders to continue engaging relevant agencies with a view to strengthening the fight against criminal activities in the State.
The call was made by the State Police Commissioner, Aboki Dajuma during a security meeting with stakeholders in marking the 2025 National Police Week.
The event, with the theme “Strengthening Collaborative Security Efforts for a Safer Imo State,” was aimed at enhancing collaboration between security agencies and the public in ensuring public peace.
Key stakeholders across the State, including Traditional Rulers, Heads of Security Agencies in the State, representatives of Religious Leaders and other relevant bodies were in attendance.
The Commissioner of Police emphasized the importance of synergy among security agencies, highlighting recent successes such as dismantling sit-at-home threats, arresting over 2,000 suspects, recovering 65 firearms, 15 stolen vehicles, and rescuing 12 kidnapped victims.
He also acknowledged the support of Governor Hope Uzodinma, who he said has been instrumental in the achievements recorded so far.
In his remark, Gen. Joseph Ogbonna, rtd, representing the Governor, commended the police and other security agencies for their role in restoring peace to troubled areas in the State.
He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to supporting security agencies and stressed the importance of continued collaboration to ensure lasting peace across the State.
Presentations at the meeting focused on community policing and intelligence-sharing, with the common phrase, “See Something, Say Something”, as an effective tool for community policing.
Speakers emphasized the crucial role of citizens in supporting the police and enhancing security.

Otti orders investigation as Fire Service officials switch off phones during fire disaster in Aba

As a L£gally married w0man. Atanda, how long do i need to wait before getting married to another man L£gally in case if my husband kpai? I hope there will be no need for Div0rce again

Supreme Court: Abure’s sack will restore peace, order in LP – Otti
Trending
- Trending5 months ago
NYA demands release of ‘abducted’ Imo chairman, preaches good governance
- Business6 months ago
US court acquits Air Peace boss, slams Mayfield $4000 fine
- Politics5 months ago
Mexico’s new president causes concern just weeks before the US elections
- Entertainment5 months ago
Bobrisky transferred from Immigration to FCID, spends night behind bars
- Entertainment5 months ago
Bobrisky falls ill in police custody, rushed to hospital
- Politics5 months ago
Russia bans imports of agro-products from Kazakhstan after refusal to join BRICS
- Politics5 months ago
Putin invites 20 world leaders
- Politics1 year ago
Nigerian Senate passes Bill seeking the establishment of the South East Development Commission.