By Habeeb Ibrahim
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has questioned the estimated ₦15 trillion cost of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, raising concerns about public spending while warning against voter suppression ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
Falana’s intervention brings renewed attention to two issues facing the country: scrutiny of major government projects and the protection of citizens’ democratic rights.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is one of President Bola Tinubu’s flagship infrastructure projects. Designed to stretch more than 700 kilometres along Nigeria’s southern coastline, the road is expected to connect Lagos to Calabar, Cross River State, passing through several coastal states.
Construction began in 2024, with the Federal Government awarding the initial section to Hitech Construction Company. The project has since attracted public debate over its cost, route, environmental implications and procurement process.
The government has defended the highway as a major transport investment intended to improve connectivity, support economic activity and open up coastal communities. However, the estimated ₦15 trillion cost has raised questions about how the overall expenditure is calculated and how the government intends to demonstrate value for public money.
The debate has also intensified following reported changes to sections of the highway’s alignment, with Works Minister David Umahi citing engineering and environmental challenges as reasons for the adjustments.
Falana’s reported warning against voter suppression shifts attention to the political environment ahead of the 2027 elections. The warning underscores the importance of ensuring that eligible voters can participate freely without intimidation, obstruction or other unlawful interference.
The Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies will have important roles in protecting electoral participation and responding to violations of voters’ rights.
While the highway debate concerns public expenditure and project oversight, the electoral issue concerns the ability of citizens to hold political leaders accountable through the ballot.
Falana’s reported intervention therefore places public accountability and democratic participation at the centre of the debate as Nigeria approaches another general election.
