Nigeria's Minister of Works, David Umahi, has confirmed that the 750-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project is ongoing and cannot be altered. The project, which started some time ago, is progressing across several states, with surveyors and designers currently assessing the highway's alignment in Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, and Rivers states. Umahi gave the assurance while speaking to State House Correspondents after briefing President Bola Tinubu. He emphasized that the project is intact and that nobody has the powers to change it, as it is already designed and ongoing.
The Minister of Works also disclosed that his ministry had sought President Bola Tinubu's approval to integrate an additional 400 kilometres of the East-West Road, stretching from Edo State through the Niger Delta to Akwa Ibom and Cross River states. According to him, the proposed extension would improve connectivity across the region and complement the coastal highway. This integration is expected to enhance the overall transportation network in the country.
Umahi explained that parts of the East-West Road were constructed below flood level, leaving some sections vulnerable to flooding and damage. He cited damage to sections around Abaro in Delta State about three weeks ago, saying the state governor intervened to address the situation. He added that similar problems had occurred in Edo State. The proposed 400-kilometre integration is awaiting presidential approval.
The Minister gave an update on the coastal highway, stating that the 147.47-kilometre Section One in Lagos was under construction. He also mentioned that Section Two, measuring 55 kilometres on each carriageway, was expected to be ready by the middle of November. Additionally, Sections 3A and 3B, covering about 75 kilometres in the Cross River and Akwa Ibom areas, had recorded more than 40 per cent completion.
Umahi further disclosed that Sections 4A and 4B, covering 65 kilometres along the Ogun and Ondo axis, were also under construction, with work extending into Ondo State. At the Calabar end, the minister said more than 40 per cent of the project had been completed, while Section Five, covering 62.5 kilometres in Akwa Ibom State, had recorded over 20 per cent completion. He expressed optimism that the project was moving and moving even faster than envisaged.
The Minister attributed the project's implementation strategy to President Tinubu's directive that major legacy road projects should commence from both ends. He also disclosed that the President had expanded the scope of another set of legacy road projects in the North. The projects, initially covering about 700 kilometres along the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe–Biu–Maiduguri corridor, had been expanded to include an additional route through Langtang and Wukari, bringing their combined length to approximately 1,100 kilometres.
Umahi maintained that the expansion of the northern road projects would not affect the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, which he said remained fully designed and under construction along its designated alignment. The government is also preparing to construct service lanes as part of efforts to improve the highway's accessibility and functionality. The project is expected to boost economic growth and enhance transportation in the country.
Key points
- The 750km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project is ongoing and cannot be altered.
- The project is progressing across several states, with over 40% completion in some sections.
- The Minister of Works has sought presidential approval to integrate an additional 400km of the East-West Road.
