Tinubu’s Current East-West Road Decision Could Transform Niger Delta, Says Ugolor

Sylvester Idowu reports that the Publisher of the ‘Common Good Letter,’ Rev. David Ugolor, has expressed his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to realign the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway with sections of the existing East–West Road in the Niger Delta. In a statement, Rev. Ugolor emphasized that, if executed effectively, this initiative could significantly impact the region under the current administration.

He highlighted that a secure and durable East–West Road would enhance connectivity, lower transportation expenses, stimulate regional commerce, bolster agriculture and industry, draw investment, and prevent loss of life.

The ‘Common Good Letter’ has previously urged President Tinubu and the federal government to prioritize the East–West Road. While welcoming Tinubu’s renewed focus, Ugolor noted that the announcement’s impact hinges on the actual completion of infrastructure, transparent expenditure, and tangible economic benefits, not mere declarations.

He urged the government to clarify whether the directive refers to a realignment of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway onto specific portions of the existing East–West Road. Ugolor advocated for a comprehensive reconstruction and expansion of these road sections as part of the coastal highway contract, which would necessitate separate Federal Executive Council approval, divergent from an existing contract variation or a coordinated project involving multiple stakeholders.

Ugolor stressed the importance of a publicly available implementation framework to prevent overlapping mandates, duplicate contracts, and funding uncertainty. He requested a detailed East–West Road and Coastal Highway Integration Plan, including the alignment, sections, and kilometers affected, the engineering and design justifications, cost estimates, funding sources, and approval processes.

The article questions the funding mechanism—whether the Federal Government is contributing 30% of coastal highway financing, with private entities covering the remainder—and calls for transparency regarding financial institutions, contractual obligations, and risk mitigation measures.

Furthermore, Ugolor urged the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, to release a comprehensive plan outlining the exact alignment, affected sections, and kilometers of the East–West Road. He emphasized the need for an engineering study, environmental and social assessments, updated cost estimates, and procurement approvals. Uganda also called for a public technical and accountability briefing to present a clear implementation map and contract matrix, detailing responsibilities, funding status, progress, and expected completion dates.

In closing, Ugolor expressed hope that the East–West Road would transition from a series of unfulfilled promises to a resilient, climate-resilient economic conduit benefiting the Niger Delta.