The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has announced that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is being constructed with safety and economic benefits in mind. He added that the first 20 kilometers of the road will be inaugurated by President Bola Tinubu in May 2025.
Speaking during an inspection of the ongoing project on Friday, Umahi assured that the contractor is working diligently to ensure the phase is completed on schedule.
The Minister revealed that the highway will consist of 10 lanes, comprising six main lanes and four service lanes. Additionally, the road will feature 24-hour lighting, security posts, medical facilities, and other infrastructure designed to enhance its economic and functional value.
According to Umahi, the Federal Government is acquiring land along the corridor to support infrastructure that will generate returns on investment beyond toll revenue.
He said: “We are reviewing this contract to address gaps and enhance functionality. For instance, at Landmark, we need to construct a retaining wall. Our aim is to boost economic activities along the corridor, reduce travel time, and ensure the safety of lives and property.”
On the commissioning timeline, Umahi stated: “In section one of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, we are confident that the first 20 kilometers will be ready by May 2025. Additionally, we plan to complete 10 kilometers in section two.”
He further explained that the first session, which spans 47 kilometers divided into six lanes, has been subdivided into five sections, with concurrent progress across all sections.
“This structure gives us the assurance that section one will be ready for commissioning by May 2025. Although another 10 kilometers will be completed by the project’s end, we aim to inaugurate 20 kilometers by that time. The remaining 17 kilometers will follow shortly thereafter.”
On section two, he noted: “By May 2025, we will also complete 10 kilometers, extending to the border between Lagos and Ogun states.”
Umahi highlighted ongoing discussions with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) regarding a gas pipeline along the Ondo and Ogun axis. He assured that compensation for affected properties, totaling ₦18 billion, has been fully paid.
He emphasized the Federal Government’s commitment to commissioning key projects despite funding challenges: “We’ve directed our controllers to focus on a minimum of five projects per zone. For instance, the Sokoto-Zamfara-Katsina-Kaduna Highway spans 375 kilometers per lane, making it 750 kilometers in total. While completing the entire stretch by 2025 may be unrealistic, we aim to finish at least 50% of the road.”
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Other priority projects include the Kano-Katsina Road and the Northern Bypass, all of which will receive significant attention and funding. “Our strategy is to concentrate efforts on critical projects to maximize impact across the zones,” Umahi concluded.
