By inebhela precious
The proposed Calabar Coastal Highway project is estimated to cost $11 billion (about ₦15 trillion), which translates to roughly ₦7.5 billion per kilometer.
Now, consider this:
One of the most critical challenges in Nigeria today is power supply, especially for the average citizen who still struggles with constant darkness. A key solution to this problem lies in strengthening the transmission infrastructure.
Currently, Nigeria’s transmission capacity is limited. This means that even when power generation increases, a large portion of that electricity cannot be effectively transmitted or distributed for use. In simple terms, we may generate more power, but without adequate transmission systems, much of it goes to waste.
One practical way to address this is by building more transmission stations across the country.
So, what does that cost?
A large-scale transmission project (330/132kV) costs around $170 million (approximately ₦62 billion).
When you compare this to the ₦15 trillion allocated for a single highway project, it becomes clear that the same amount could fund dozens of transmission stations, along with additional distribution substations nationwide. This would significantly improve electricity availability, boost economic activities, and directly impact the lives of millions of Nigerians.
The question then becomes one of priority:
Should such massive resources be concentrated on a single road project, or distributed toward infrastructure that can transform power supply across the entire country?
Ultimately, leadership is about making decisions that serve the broader good. And in the end, every decision is subject to accountability, both to the people and to a higher authority that sees all.