The Federal Government has issued a two-week ultimatum to motorists and road users on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway to comply with safety regulations. The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Olufemi Dare, stated this during an inspection tour of the highway on Monday. He expressed concerns over persistent safety violations, vandalism, and other illegal activities along the route. The government warned that if there is no significant improvement within the two-week period, it would have no option but to close the highway.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is still under construction and should not have been opened to traffic before the completion of its bridges. Despite this, motorists are driving at high speeds on the route, which is a major concern. The speed limit on the highway is 30 kilometres per hour, and motorists have been warned against exceeding this limit. Articulated vehicles parking along the highway, creation of illegal U-turns, and removal of safety infrastructure by vandals are also major issues that need to be addressed.
Sections of the ClearVu fencing and concrete covers installed along the highway have been vandalised and removed. The government is considering replacing the steel fencing with concrete barriers in vulnerable areas to prevent further vandalism. This move aims to protect the infrastructure and ensure the safety of road users. The government has also warned against the use of motorcycles, tricycles, hawking, animal grazing, and illegal structures along the highway.
To improve security along the route, the government has approved the recruitment of 40 coastal guards for the first section of the highway. These guards will work with the police to monitor activities and protect infrastructure along the road. The police deployment along the route will also be increased to enhance security. The government is taking these measures to prevent further damage to the ongoing project and protect road users.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, had raised concerns over the safety issues on the highway, prompting the Federal Government to take action. The government is committed to enforcing safety measures to protect road users and prevent further damage to the project. The two-week ultimatum is a call to action for motorists and road users to comply with safety regulations and avoid any consequences.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is a critical infrastructure project that requires a safe and secure environment for road users. The government's efforts to address the safety issues on the highway are aimed at preventing accidents and ensuring the smooth completion of the project. The project is expected to boost economic growth and development in the region once completed.
The government has urged motorists and road users to cooperate and comply with safety regulations to avoid any disruptions. The two-week ultimatum is a warning that the government is serious about enforcing safety measures on the highway. Failure to comply may result in the closure of the highway, which could have significant economic and social implications for the region.
Key points
- The Federal Government has issued a two-week ultimatum to motorists and road users on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway to comply with safety regulations.
- The government has approved the recruitment of 40 coastal guards to work with the police to monitor activities and protect infrastructure along the road.
- The speed limit on the highway is 30 kilometres per hour, and motorists have been warned against exceeding this limit.
