Section one of Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway to be commissioned in May – Umahi
Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway Section Set for May Commissioning
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LAGOS — The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, announced on Saturday that the first section of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway is set to be commissioned by May 2026. During a project inspection, Umahi emphasized the Federal Government’s commitment to completing the strategic coastal route linking Lagos with the South-South and South-East regions.
Progress on the project indicates a strong determination from the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to enhance infrastructure despite encountering challenging terrain and environmental conditions. “Deep soil conditions, reaching over 20 meters in some areas, have tested our engineering capabilities, but we are successfully addressing these issues,” he said.
Umahi praised HITECH Construction Company for its resilience, noting that the contractor is handling unexpected soil complications at no additional cost. “No other contractor would take on this level of risk. You have shown that your work is about the success of the country, not just profit,” he stated.
The minister highlighted that the 3-kilometer stretch currently under review is nearing completion, with sub-filling expected to finish in days. Once completed, motorists will have uninterrupted access from Ahmadu Bello Way through Lekki to the Dangote Refinery area as work advances on Section Two.
“The entire sub-filling should be done within the next week, allowing traffic to flow seamlessly,” he added.
Umahi also addressed vandalism issues along the corridor, condemning acts such as cutting metal fences and dumping refuse into manholes. He commended security agencies for their vigilance and warned that offenders would face prosecution. “It is unacceptable to vandalize public infrastructure, and we will ensure that those caught are charged in court,” he said.
The minister linked the steady progress of the highway project to the broader infrastructure reform agenda of the Tinubu administration, stating, “This project’s success is vital for Nigeria’s development.”
While section two of the highway is expected to be completed by the end of the year, all bridges across both sections are projected for completion by April 2024.
Umahi acknowledged public skepticism about the project’s pace, expressing confidence in the government’s efforts. “Some expected us to fail, but we have God’s support. We are making real progress, as seen in improving economic indices,” he noted.
He concluded by urging the public to support ongoing reforms and infrastructure initiatives, emphasizing that the project is critical to national renewal. “This is a task we are committed to, and we will continue to work alongside the president to achieve our goals,” he said.
The inspection was attended by senior aides to the president, including the Senior Special Assistant on Community Engagement for the Southwest and her counterpart for the Southeast.
