Gov Sanwo-Olu Aide Reacts As David Umahi Appoints 40 Officers to Watch Over The Coastal Highway

According to a post on his official X account on Sunday August 9, 2026, Lagos state governor senior special assistant on new media, Jubril A Gawat, has reacted sharply to the recent development involving the appointment of 40 officers by David Umahi, the Honorable Minister of Works, to oversee security on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road.

The initiative, launched on Sunday, August 9, 2026, as part of the federal government’s efforts to safeguard critical infrastructure, has sparked mixed reactions across social media platforms and political circles.

In his statement, Gawat expressed concern over what he described as an apparent shift in focus from infrastructural development to security enforcement.

The newly formed team, dubbed the Coastal Highway Guards, is led by retired General Adekunle Shodunke and comprises 40 officers tasked with maintaining a constant presence on the highway.

Their responsibilities include reporting suspicious activities, monitoring vandalism, restricting hawking and loitering, and limiting the use of tricycles (Keke) or Okadas on the highway.

The team is expected to work closely with security agencies in the state, aiming to ensure the safety and security of the corridor.

However, critics have raised concerns about the potential for overreach and the impact such security measures might have on local communities.

Some residents and stakeholders argue that the restrictions could hinder economic activities, especially those of small traders and commuters who rely on the corridor.

There are fears that strict enforcement might lead to confrontations or harassment, especially if not handled with sensitivity.

The Honorable Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, clarified that the initiative is not an “empowerment program” but a full-time effort to protect national assets.

In a statement, he revealed that the security arrangement aligns with the “Renewed Hope” agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

The reaction from Lagos State officials and social media influencers has been swift. Many applauded the federal government’s efforts to secure key infrastructure, but some called for a more community-oriented approach.