Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: David Umahi

  • FG signals Lagos–Calabar coastal road may be tolled after commissioning

    FG signals Lagos–Calabar coastal road may be tolled after commissioning

    In an update published by The Punch, the federal government says the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway could be tolled after it is commissioned, signalling a user-pay approach to long-term maintenance and financing.

    Officials argue tolling helps keep roads serviceable, but critics often worry about transparency, value-for-money, and whether toll revenues will translate into better road quality and safety.

    The policy debate is also about affordability: tolls can shift costs to commuters and logistics operators, potentially affecting prices of goods—especially if alternative routes remain poor.

    The key question now is the framework: toll rates, exemptions, electronic collection, and an independent mechanism to track proceeds and maintenance performance.

    Echotitbits take: Tolling isn’t inherently bad—opaque tolling is. Watch for a clear tariff regime, public disclosure of concession terms (if any), and measurable service standards (repairs, lighting, security, response time).

    Source The Punch – https://punchng.com/lagos-calabar-coastal-highway-to-be-tolled-after-unveiling-umahi/ 11 January 2026

    The Punch 2026-01-11

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • Private Capital Lines Up to Take Over and Toll Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway Section 1

    Private Capital Lines Up to Take Over and Toll Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway Section 1

    2025-12-18 00:00:00

    As reported by Punch, Nigeria’s Works Ministry says four investors have indicated interest in taking over Section 1 of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway under a concession model that would allow tolling to recover costs.

    The report quotes officials as describing the arrangement as a public–private approach meant to reduce the fiscal burden on government while accelerating delivery of critical infrastructure.

    The concession discussion comes as the project faces sustained public debate on cost, transparency, and procurement—issues government insists it is addressing.

    Sahara Reporters quoted the minister saying, “about four different companies… want to pay 100% of what we have spent… and they would take it over and toll it.” (Sahara Reporters)

    Another report circulating the same remarks quoted Umahi: “There are about four companies that have indicated interest… take it over and toll it.” (BrandIconImage)

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: A toll-backed concession could unlock funding, but it also shifts the debate to affordability, route economics, and contract openness. Watch for the identity of bidders, the tolling framework, and whether an independent value-for-money review is published to calm public skepticism.

    Source: Punch — December 18, 2025 (https://punchng.com/four-investors-push-for-lagos-calabar-highway-concession/)

    Photo credit: Punch

  • President Buhari Proud of Ebonyi Governor’s Defection to Ruling APC

    President Buhari Proud of Ebonyi Governor’s Defection to Ruling APC

    President Muhammadu Buhari has commended the defection of Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi, to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it “as a bold move driven purely by principle rather than opportunistic motives.”

    READ ALSO:

    ‘Emergency Security Meeting Deter Presidency from Attending South South Meeting’ – Presidency

    Reacting to the defection, President Buhari said:

    “I am proud of Governor David Umahi for taking this bold decision in accordance with his conscience and principles rather than any external influence or coercion.”

    According to the President, “Good governance is very important to us in the APC, and I’m glad that the governor has cited this as a major factor in his decision to join us. I urge our citizens to pay less emphasis on identity politics if we want our democracy to make a positive impact on our country.”

    He noted that “with men like Umahi, I foresee a brighter future for our democracy because the voters will be more motivated by performance records of parties and their candidates.”

    READ ALSO:

    ‘Emergency Security Meeting Deter Presidency from Attending South South Meeting’ – Presidency

    “Let me once again; commend the boldness of Governor Umahi for taking this courageous decision in a country where principles are in short supply among many. I know people might call him names, but that is the price men of principles have to pay for acting according to their conscience and convictions” President Buhari added.