# Nigeria Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway controversy > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/nigeria-lagos-calabar-coastal-highway-controversy > Updated: 2026-08-13T13:17:02.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project has become a point of political and economic contention in Nigeria. Former Cross River governor Donald Duke criticized the 750-km project, labeling it an “unaffordable priority” for the nation. He argued that the government should instead focus on rehabilitating existing routes and redirecting funds toward electricity, healthcare, and education. In response, Minister of Works David Umahi defended the project, stating it is essential for unlocking economic potential and addressing historical grievances in the South-East region. Umahi noted that construction has already progressed past Epe, Lagos State, and challenged critics to a public debate. As construction continues, the project is facing security challenges. Officials reported instances of vandalism where individuals were caught removing construction materials from sites. To combat this, authorities have inaugurated the Coastal Highway Guards to protect the infrastructure and prevent further delays or cost increases. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-13: Nigeria infrastructure: Umahi defends coastal highway and South-East projects Minister David Umahi defends President Tinubu’s infrastructure goals for South-East Nigeria and the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, while warning that vandalism at construction sites threatens project progress. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-infrastructure-umahi-defends-coastal-highway-and-south-east-projects ### 2026-08-05: Donald Duke urges Nigeria to fix existing Lagos‑Calabar road, warns coastal highway is unaffordable Donald Duke, PRP presidential candidate, says Nigeria cannot afford the Lagos‑Calabar coastal highway, urging repair of the existing road and redirecting funds to electricity, health and education while warning 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/donald-duke-urges-nigeria-to-fix-existing-lagoscalabar-road-warns-coastal-highway-is-unaffordable --- Cite as: Nigeria Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway controversy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/nigeria-lagos-calabar-coastal-highway-controversy