The Federal Government has announced plans to commission Section One of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway by May, as construction work intensifies on the flagship infrastructure project.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, gave the assurance during an inspection tour of the project corridor over the weekend, expressing confidence that the initial stretch would be ready for inauguration as scheduled.
According to a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Francis Nwaze, the progress recorded so far reflects the determination of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to deliver transformative infrastructure despite challenging terrain and environmental conditions.
Umahi noted that deep soil conditions along the coastal route — with some sections reaching depths of over 20 metres — had posed significant engineering challenges. However, he said the contractor, HITECH Construction Company, had successfully addressed the issues without requesting an upward review of the project cost.
He disclosed that the 3-kilometre stretch currently under review is nearing completion, with sub-filling expected to be finalised within days. Once opened, motorists will be able to drive seamlessly from Ahmadu Bello Way through Lekki, extending toward the Dangote Refinery axis as work progresses on Section Two.
The minister explained that consolidation tests would be conducted in March, after which Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) would be laid in April if soil conditions prove stable. He projected that the section could then be commissioned by May 20.
Umahi also raised concerns over acts of vandalism along the corridor, including the cutting of metal fences and the dumping of refuse into maintenance holes. He commended security agencies for heightened surveillance and warned that offenders would face prosecution. A team of seven Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), he added, has been engaged to handle litigation related to the project.
Looking ahead, the minister hinted that Section Two of the highway is expected to be completed before the end of the year, while all bridges across both sections are projected for completion by April next year.
He further reiterated the administration’s resolve to sustain infrastructure delivery nationwide, praising President Tinubu for approving the resumption of payments to contractors. Umahi issued a stern warning to contractors who have collected Advance Payment Guarantees but failed to return to site, stating that such practices would no longer be tolerated.
Describing the coastal highway as a strategic economic corridor linking Lagos to the South-South and South-East regions, Umahi affirmed that the project remains a national priority aimed at boosting connectivity, trade and long-term economic growth.
