₦airaland Forum

By all appearances, the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway is being sold as a symbol of progress. But beneath the glossy narrative lies a far more uncomfortable question:

To what extent does the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road improve the economic reality or welfare of the average Nigerian?

This is the fundamental question the government has failed to convincingly answer.

What many Nigerians are beginning to see is a troubling pattern: policies that appear increasingly tailored to serve the interests of the super-rich and political elite, while the ordinary citizen is left to bear the burden. At the same time, the same struggling population is being pushed toward heavier taxation, raising concerns that the poor are being asked to fund a system that does little to improve their own lives.

To properly understand this, it is important to look at recent policy direction.

Under the previous administration of Muhammadu Buhari, the Lagos–Ibadan railway was developed with a broader vision, to eventually extend the line to Kano. This was not just a transport project; it was a strategic economic corridor designed to connect the South to the North, facilitating the movement of people and, more importantly, goods.

Such a railway expansion would have cut across the Middle Belt and Northern regions, areas known for large-scale agricultural production. The implication is clear: faster, cheaper transportation of agricultural produce to southern markets, reduced post-harvest losses, lower food prices, and improved national food security. It would also have significantly eased passenger movement across regions.

Given that this vision was initiated under the same political party, many expected continuity.

However, under the current administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, that trajectory appears to have shifted. Rather than aggressively continuing and completing the rail expansion to Kano, the government has prioritized a different flagship project, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.

This raises an important question: what exactly is the economic value of this coastal road to the average Nigerian?

From available information, the coastal highway is planned to pass through several southern states, including Lagos State, Ogun State, Ondo State, Delta State, Bayelsa State, Rivers State, Akwa Ibom State, and Cross River State, stretching approximately 700km along Nigeria’s coastline.

The project has been widely reported to cost tens of billions of dollars when fully completed, translating into an extremely high cost per kilometer, raising eyebrows in a country grappling with debt, inflation, and widespread poverty.

Let’s deal with the facts.

The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is a 700km road projected to cost between ₦15 trillion (about $11–13 billion) according to multiple official and independent estimates.

On a per-kilometre basis, that translates to about ₦7.5 billion per kilometre, this is not just expensive, it is obscene. Built at one of the highest per-kilometre costs in Africa

To put that into perspective, some state governments in Nigeria have built roads at ₦200 million to ₦500 million per kilometre. The difference is not just wide, it is staggering.

Beyond the cost, accessibility is another critical issue.

The road is expected to be tolled. This means that, in addition to rising fuel costs, Nigerians will have to pay multiple toll fees to use the road. When you combine fuel expenses with toll charges, the cost of traveling from Lagos to Calabar could become prohibitively expensive for the average citizen.

This leads to a fundamental concern:
Now Let’s Talk About Reality: Can You Even Afford to Use It?

We don’t even need government projections to expose the truth. Let’s use a real-life example Nigerians already understand:

The Epe–Ijebu Ode road.

Between Epe and Ijebu Ode, a relatively short stretch, you already encounter two toll gates.

On average: Cars pay about ₦500 – ₦1,000 per toll. That’s ₦1,000 – ₦2,000 for less than 50km

Now apply that same logic to a 700km coastal highway.

We don’t need speculation, we can use patterns Nigerians already know.

Across Nigeria, tolling typically happens:
At state borders, or When entering a new state. This coastal road cuts across about 8 states: Lagos → Ogun → Ondo → Delta → Bayelsa → Rivers → Akwa Ibom → Cross River.

That realistically suggests: 7 to 8 toll points (one way). Return trip → 14 to 16 toll payments. Using a modest estimate of N1,000 per toll (and this could rise over time).

We are looking at:
N7,000 – N8,000 (one way) and N14,000 – N16,000 (return trip).

Now Add Fuel

For a 700km highway trip with a Toyota Corolla or similar compact sedan:

Fuel consumption: 6–7 litres per 100km. Distance: 700km.

6 L/100km × 700 km ÷ 100 = 42 litres

At current fuel prices (N1,300/litre) - 42 litres = N54,600

Total realistic fuel cost (one way) is N54,600
Return trip: N109,200.

Total Travel Cost (Tolls + Fuel, Return Trip)
• Fuel: N54,600
• Tolls: ₦14,000 – ₦16,000

Total: N125,200

How many ordinary Nigerians earning ₦50,000 to ₦150,000 monthly can afford to use this road?

If a project is financially out of reach for the majority, can it truly be described as a people-centered development initiative?

In contrast, a functional and expanded rail system would have provided a more inclusive and affordable alternative for both passengers and goods. It would have directly supported farmers, traders, and small businesses, arguably the backbone of Nigeria’s real economy.

Instead, what we are seeing is a shift toward infrastructure that may ultimately cater more to high-income earners, luxury transport, and elite mobility.

So again, the question remains:

What is the true economic and welfare benefit of the coastal road to the common man on the street?

Until that question is answered with clarity and evidence, many Nigerians will continue to view this project not as a national priority but as a symbol of misplaced priorities in a time of economic hardship.

It serves the contractor n builders.

We already know the people who ain't happy about the coastal road

Na them

BATified2023:
We already know the people who ain't happy about the coastal road

Na them

Flesh and blood did not reveal this to you… of course how could you expect right thinking Nigerians to be happy with N7.5billion naira per kilometer road without any direct benefits to them.

ibabz:
Flesh and blood did not reveal this to you… of course how could you expect right thinking Nigerians to be happy with N7.5billion naira per kilometer road without any direct benefits to them.

so coastal road doesn't have benefit right?

Isn't that what u are saying?

ibabz:
By all appearances, the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway is being sold as a symbol of progress. But beneath the glossy narrative lies a far more uncomfortable question:

To what extent does the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road improve the economic reality or welfare of the average Nigerian?

This is the fundamental question the government has failed to convincingly answer.

What many Nigerians are beginning to see is a troubling pattern: policies that appear increasingly tailored to serve the interests of the super-rich and political elite, while the ordinary citizen is left to bear the burden. At the same time, the same struggling population is being pushed toward heavier taxation, raising concerns that the poor are being asked to fund a system that does little to improve their own lives.

To properly understand this, it is important to look at recent policy direction.

Under the previous administration of Muhammadu Buhari, the Lagos–Ibadan railway was developed with a broader vision, to eventually extend the line to Kano. This was not just a transport project; it was a strategic economic corridor designed to connect the South to the North, facilitating the movement of people and, more importantly, goods.

Such a railway expansion would have cut across the Middle Belt and Northern regions, areas known for large-scale agricultural production. The implication is clear: faster, cheaper transportation of agricultural produce to southern markets, reduced post-harvest losses, lower food prices, and improved national food security. It would also have significantly eased passenger movement across regions.

Given that this vision was initiated under the same political party, many expected continuity.

However, under the current administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, that trajectory appears to have shifted. Rather than aggressively continuing and completing the rail expansion to Kano, the government has prioritized a different flagship project, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.

This raises an important question: what exactly is the economic value of this coastal road to the average Nigerian?

From available information, the coastal highway is planned to pass through several southern states, including Lagos State, Ogun State, Ondo State, Delta State, Bayelsa State, Rivers State, Akwa Ibom State, and Cross River State, stretching approximately 700km along Nigeria’s coastline.

The project has been widely reported to cost tens of billions of dollars when fully completed, translating into an extremely high cost per kilometer, raising eyebrows in a country grappling with debt, inflation, and widespread poverty.

Let’s deal with the facts.

The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is a 700km road projected to cost between ₦15 trillion (about $11–13 billion) according to multiple official and independent estimates.

On a per-kilometre basis, that translates to about ₦7.5 billion per kilometre, this is not just expensive, it is obscene. Built at one of the highest per-kilometre costs in Africa

To put that into perspective, some state governments in Nigeria have built roads at ₦200 million to ₦500 million per kilometre. The difference is not just wide, it is staggering.

Beyond the cost, accessibility is another critical issue.

The road is expected to be tolled. This means that, in addition to rising fuel costs, Nigerians will have to pay multiple toll fees to use the road. When you combine fuel expenses with toll charges, the cost of traveling from Lagos to Calabar could become prohibitively expensive for the average citizen.

This leads to a fundamental concern:
Now Let’s Talk About Reality: Can You Even Afford to Use It?

We don’t even need government projections to expose the truth. Let’s use a real-life example Nigerians already understand:

The Epe–Ijebu Ode road.

Between Epe and Ijebu Ode, a relatively short stretch, you already encounter two toll gates.

On average: Cars pay about ₦500 – ₦1,000 per toll. That’s ₦1,000 – ₦2,000 for less than 50km

Now apply that same logic to a 700km coastal highway.

We don’t need speculation, we can use patterns Nigerians already know.

Across Nigeria, tolling typically happens:
At state borders, or When entering a new state. This coastal road cuts across about 8 states: Lagos → Ogun → Ondo → Delta → Bayelsa → Rivers → Akwa Ibom → Cross River.

That realistically suggests: 7 to 8 toll points (one way). Return trip → 14 to 16 toll payments. Using a modest estimate of N1,000 per toll (and this could rise over time).

We are looking at:
N7,000 – N8,000 (one way) and N14,000 – N16,000 (return trip).

Now Add Fuel

For a 700km highway trip with a Toyota Corolla or similar compact sedan:

Fuel consumption: 6–7 litres per 100km. Distance: 700km.

6 L/100km × 700 km ÷ 100 = 42 litres

At current fuel prices (N1,300/litre) - 42 litres = N54,600

Total realistic fuel cost (one way) is N54,600
Return trip: N109,200.

Total Travel Cost (Tolls + Fuel, Return Trip)
• Fuel: N54,600
• Tolls: ₦14,000 – ₦16,000

Total: N125,200

How many ordinary Nigerians earning ₦50,000 to ₦150,000 monthly can afford to use this road?

If a project is financially out of reach for the majority, can it truly be described as a people-centered development initiative?

In contrast, a functional and expanded rail system would have provided a more inclusive and affordable alternative for both passengers and goods. It would have directly supported farmers, traders, and small businesses, arguably the backbone of Nigeria’s real economy.

Instead, what we are seeing is a shift toward infrastructure that may ultimately cater more to high-income earners, luxury transport, and elite mobility.

So again, the question remains:

What is the true economic and welfare benefit of the coastal road to the common man on the street?

Until that question is answered with clarity and evidence, many Nigerians will continue to view this project not as a national priority but as a symbol of misplaced priorities in a time of economic hardship.

Since your night bus route to Lagos doesn't pass through there it means the road is useless, right?

Illogical writeup full of lies & lamentations.
Tens of billions of dollars turned to $11-13b.
Just criticize without direction. That Coastal road is being built means other projects must stop? What a logic? Saw toll on another road, therefore projected it on coastal road tolling and even started calculating to discourage completion!
Better go learn work from your masters.
Didnt you folk say Dangote refinery and free trade zone were white elephant projects and that lekki would be a mess if they are completed? Mtchew

I understand your pain and frustration. After three years, the only thing you seem able to show is being questioned. Unfortunately, you don’t have any solid counterarguments to address what was said, quite telling. Pele.

I think I now understand why you’re still supporting this government, you’re simply not well informed, that’s why you defend blindly. If by now you’re unaware that there are plans to toll the road, then this conversation isn’t worth my time. I prefer engaging with people who understand what’s happening around them so there’s something meaningful to learn. Please do your research before coming online to embarrass yourself.

By the way, I hope you’ll come back to this post and offer an unreserved apology once the road is tolled. If you think Tinubu does anything for free, then you clearly weren’t paying attention to how things worked in Lagos.

Buccalcavity2:
Illogical writeup full of lies & lamentations.
Tens of billions of dollars turned to $11-13b.
Just criticize without direction. That Coastal road is being built means other projects must stop? What a logic? Saw toll on another road, therefore projected it on coastal road tolling and even started calculating to discourage completion!
Better go learn work from your masters.
Didnt you folk say Dangote refinery and free trade zone were white elephant projects and that lekki would be a mess if they are completed? Mtchew

I understand your pain and frustration. After three years, the only thing you seem able to show is being questioned. Unfortunately, you don’t have any solid counterarguments to address what was said, quite telling. Pele.

I think I now understand why you’re still supporting this government, you’re simply not well informed, that’s why you defend blindly. If by now you’re unaware that there are plans to toll the road, then this conversation isn’t worth my time. I prefer engaging with people who understand what’s happening around them so there’s something meaningful to learn. Please do your research before coming online to embarrass yourself.

By the way, I hope you’ll come back to this post and offer an unreserved apology once the road is tolled. If you think Tinubu does anything for free, then you clearly weren’t paying attention to how things worked in Lagos.

TokoEkambi:
Since your night bus route to Lagos doesn't pass through there it means the road is useless, right?

Education isn’t a scam after all.

ibabz:
I understand your pain and frustration. After three years, the only thing you seem able to show is being questioned. Unfortunately, you don’t have any solid counterarguments to address what was said, quite telling. Pele.

I think I now understand why you’re still supporting this government, you’re simply not well informed, that’s why you defend blindly. If by now you’re unaware that there are plans to toll the road, then this conversation isn’t worth my time. I prefer engaging with people who understand what’s happening around them so there’s something meaningful to learn. Please do your research before coming online to embarrass yourself.

By the way, I hope you’ll come back to this post and offer an unreserved apology once the road is tolled. If you think Tinubu does anything for free, then you clearly weren’t paying attention to how things worked in Lagos.

You are the joke here. I never said the road is not going to be tolled. I'm in fact in support of the road being tolled. I queried your extrapoltion of the tolling fee. Its above your head, i see.
Now explaim how $11-13b turned to tens of billions of dollars!

BATified2023:
so coastal road doesn't have benefit right?

Isn't that what u are saying?

If they don’t like the Highway they should just stay off it and let better people pass

No be by force to use the Road

They can go use Jungle path

At least after 6 months dem go reach Calabar

Buccalcavity2:
You are the joke here. I never said the road is not going to be tolled. I'm in fact in support of the road being tolled. I queried your extrapoltion of the tolling fee. Its above your head, i see.
Now explaim how $11-13b turned to tens of billions of dollars!

Oga, e be like say na only you waka go school, rest of us just dey watch you shine your “big grammar,” abi? Funny thing be say, na you still dey struggle to explain wetin you even write.

That your line, “saw toll on another road, therefore projected it on the coastal road and started calculating”, you sure say you understand am yourself? Or you just dey arrange words hoping say e go sound deep?

Out of everything wey I talk, na only “tens of billions” you manage hold onto? That one alone dey tell me plenty about the depth of your argument… and maybe the quality of the education wey you dey brag about.

Since you don position yourself as grammar inspector, make I help you small. What I used no be exaggeration for the sake of noise, it’s called “Metonymy” in figure of speech where a related idea stands in for a broader reality, like expressing a massive financial burden or long-term economic weight.

But I no go blame you too much, no be every “big grammar” be understanding.

Pele, I understand your pains and frustration. It’s not easy to defend a failure without sounding like one.

Dear Lord, I am grateful for not making me a bitter soul hating on the development of my own country

helinues:
Dear Lord, I am grateful for not making me a bitter soul hating on the development of my own country

Dear God,
Thank You for setting me free from the chains of slavery, the snares of bewitchment, and the cold grip of hypothermia where men grovel for crumbs and worship their oppressors, where souls sing praises for those who have sold the future of unborn generations for a mere N30k stipend.

Thank You for planting in me the spirit of discernment, a mind clear and unshakable, and the courage to call out evil boldly, without fear, without compromise, and without prejudice.

ibabz:
Dear God,
Thank You for setting me free from the chains of slavery, the snares of bewitchment, and the cold grip of hypothermia where men grovel for crumbs and worship their oppressors, where souls sing praises for those who have sold the future of unborn generations for a mere N30k stipend.

Thank You for planting in me the spirit of discernment, a mind clear and unshakable, and the courage to call out evil boldly, without fear, without compromise, and without prejudice.

Don't be unfortunate on Sunday morning. I expressed myself without tagging anyone.

Kindly do the same without hiding under my comments.

Thank you

I have said this before, it’s not difficult to know Tinubu keyboard warriors.


https://www.nairaland.com/8167570/how-identify-tinubu-apcs-keyboard

Identifying "Tinubu’s keyboard warriors” is not difficult, they exhibit certain behaviors and characteristics associated with their online presence.

Here are some of the ways you can spot them:

Frequent Posting: You will always see them morning and night trying so hard justifying their paychecks by defending anything and everything about Tinubu.

Defensive Attitude: They tend to be highly defensive and quick to counter criticisms of Tinubu without showing proof to backup their claims. This can involve vigorous debate, dismissal of opposing views, or attacking critics.

Reposting Official Content: They often share or retweet content especially propagandas from official Tinubu accounts, campaign materials, or pro-Tinubu media sources

In-group Language: They might use language or references that are familiar within Tinubu’s support community. Something like Tinubu till 20100.

Tactical Discourse: They are very Subjective and biased with their arguments. Even when they know they are lying, they just want to deliver their online constituency.

Personal Attacks: When faced with criticism or differing opinions, they might resort to personal attacks or dismissive comments against opponents or critics of Tinubu.

Promotion of Achievements: These people do not have anything to show Nigerians as a singular achievement.

Understanding these patterns can help identify supporters who are active online and vocally backing Tinubu, especially in the context of political discussions and debates.

helinues:
Don't be unfortunate on Sunday morning. I expressed myself without tagging anyone.

Kindly do the same without hiding under my comments.

Thank you

Nawa oooo! On my thread? Nothing Musa no go see for outside gate ooo.

ibabz:
Nawa oooo! On my thread? Nothing Musa no go see for outside gate ooo.

Did you see me quoting your epistle? No, I expressed myself independently

What you guys don't know is, if we should use ordinary 10% of the same energy you have been using to engage us for years, I swear you you will leave the internet for us

Unfortunately, we can't all sleep and face the same direction

helinues:
Did you see me quoting your epistle? No, I expressed myself independently

What you guys don't know is, if we should use ordinary 10% of the same energy you have been using to engage us for years, I swear you you will leave the internet for us

Unfortunately, we can't all sleep and face the same direction

Ok sir, I do hear

ibabz:
Ok sir, I do hear

For your own goodness. Those shenanigans would longer be tolerated

You expressed yourself, allow others to do same without questioning unnecessarily

helinues:
For your own goodness. Those shenanigans would longer be tolerated

You expressed yourself, allow others to do same without questioning unnecessarily

My guy I hope this isn’t a threat, otherwise I would ask you to bring it on. I’m not scared of anything or anyone. I have seen both sides of life.

I have typed the message below before I saw this your comment. Either peace or otherwise I’m ready..,.


Let me say this, I’m not the type that fights my fellow brothers because of one politician, naah. I don’t do that. Opinions and views may defer but that doesn’t make us enemies, I wish you people could see it from that point of view. You yourself, you know where you belong in my heart. It doesn’t make any sense fighting my fellow brothers that are thriving to be a better version of himself over one politician who doesn’t even see if either of us even exist. The only people I have grouse with are those fighting and defending thieves and criminals in government. Those one, WE CAN NEVER be on the page.

I have said my mind, hope you understand me.

Iree o.

ibabz:
My guy I hope this isn’t a threat, otherwise I would ask you to bring it on. I’m not scared of anything or anyone. I have seen both sides of life.

I have typed the message below before I saw this your comment. Either peace or otherwise I’m ready..,.


Let me say this, I’m not the type that fights my fellow brothers because of one politician, naah. I don’t do that. Opinions and views may defer but that doesn’t make us enemies, I wish you people could see it from that point of view. You yourself, you know where you belong in my heart. It doesn’t make any sense fighting my fellow brothers that are thriving to be a better version of himself over one politician who doesn’t even see if either of us even exist. The only people I have grouse with are those fighting and defending thieves and criminals in government. Those one, WE CAN NEVER be on the page.

I have said my mind, hope you understand me.

Iree o.

You see, it's the arrogant and ego bloating that have been you guys undoing.

You created a thread without tagging me or mentioning anyone

Dear Lord, I am grateful for not making me a bitter soul hating on the development of my own country

I made my comments without tagging you or mentioning anyone

Please make it logically sensible to me what's your nagging for about my comments on this thread. Was my comments directed to you specifically even though you are the op of this thread?

helinues:
You see, it's the arrogant and ego bloating that have been you guys undoing.

You created a thread without tagging me or mentioning anyone



I made my comments without tagging you or mentioning anyone

Please make it logically sensible to me what's your nagging for about my comments on this thread. Was my comments directed to you specifically even though you are the op of this thread?

What arrogance? Which law says I can’t comment on or reply to any post on the public domain? I don’t just understand you people’s mindset. I guess you must be feeling unnecessary superior, but over WHAT exactly? Who you be self?

helinues:
You see, it's the arrogant and ego bloating that have been you guys undoing.

You created a thread without tagging me or mentioning anyone



I made my comments without tagging you or mentioning anyone

Please make it logically sensible to me what's your nagging for about my comments on this thread. Was my comments directed to you specifically even though you are the op of this thread?

Don’t you also comment on other people’s post? Abi what’s the meaning of this self. Oga ade, respect yourself.

ibabz:
Don’t you also comment on other people’s post? Abi what’s the meaning of this self. Oga ade, respect yourself.

Dear Lord, I am grateful for not making me a bitter soul hating on the development of my own country

Are you hating on the development of your own country because I can't just fathom what your nagging have been all about

Which of the emboldened hit you anywhere?

helinues:
Are you hating on the development of your own country because I can't just fathom what your nagging have been all about

Which of the emboldened hit you anywhere?

I’m not hating on the development of my country. If you read the article, I’m more concerned about our priorities. I clearly stated that the continuation of the railroad project has more economic and welfare benefits for common man than the coastal road. I only went further to justify my point by stating the exorbitant costs of the project which has made it one of the most expensive coastal road projects in the world. I equally stated that the road may be beyond the reach of common man whose tax were used to construct the road and I gave my reasons. I believe if you or anyone has superior arguments they can bring it on, but attacking my person is totally unacceptable.

ibabz:
I’m not hating on the development of my country. If you’re read the article, I’m more concerned about our priorities. I clearly stated that the continuation of the railroad project has more economic and welfare benefits for common man than the coastal road. I only went further to justify my point by stating the exorbitant costs of the project which has made it one of the most expensive coastal road projects in the world. I equally stated that the road my be beyond the reach of common man whose tax where used to construct the road and I gave my reasons. I believe if you or anyone has superior arguments they can bring it on, but attacking my person is totally unacceptable.

pointed out the most reasonable project

Dear Lord, I am grateful for not making me a bitter soul hating on the development of my own country

Short your epistle, could you point out to what precise issue you have with my comments in the quote above. Just say it

helinues:
Short your epistle, could you point out to what precise issue you have with my comments in the quote above. Just say it

I have nothing, absolutely nothing against your prayer. And I never attacked you nor your prayer. Well, perhaps, the only thing I guess I did was comment under your comment. My intention was just to follow the prayer tray. And I don’t think I really said anything wrong against you or anyone. I never mentioned anyone but myself.

ibabz:
I have nothing, absolutely nothing against your prayer. And I never attacked you nor your prayer. Well, perhaps, the only thing I guess I did was comment under your comment. My intention was just to follow the prayer tray. And I don’t think I really said anything wrong against you or anyone. I never mentioned anyone but myself.

If you did not have issue with my prayers, next time express yourself independently as I didn't quote you

I now have rules of engagement( ROE) on NL. If i did not direct my comments to you, don't bring any form of attack or defense