Vandals have launched a series of attacks on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, removing reinforcement materials and stealing manhole covers along various sections of the road. The Federal Government has warned that these criminal activities pose a significant threat to the safety and integrity of the multi-billion-naira project. According to the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Olufemi Dare, the vandals have been operating mostly at night, targeting the metal components of the infrastructure.
The scale of vandalism has been extensive, with about five kilometres of clear-view fencing installed along the highway being removed, and manhole covers covering approximately 18 kilometres being stolen. The vandals have also been dismantling directional road signs due to their metal components. Dare expressed concern that the destruction and theft of road infrastructure could endanger motorists and other road users, particularly as construction is still ongoing on the highway.
The Lagos section of the coastal road has 20 major bridges, with construction taking place simultaneously at different locations. The Federal Government is taking the security challenge seriously, with the Lagos State Commissioner of Police holding meetings with relevant authorities to increase police deployment along the coastal highway. The police have already begun intensified enforcement, arresting at least 100 commercial motorcyclists on the highway within the previous week.
In addition to vandalism, the Federal Government has expressed concern over speeding, illegal parking by articulated vehicles, illegal U-turns, hawking, animal grazing, and the presence of commercial motorcycles and tricycles on the highway. Dare warned that motorists must not exceed 30 kilometres per hour on the highway because construction is still ongoing. He noted that some motorists had been driving at speeds as high as 100 to 120 kilometres per hour despite warning signs and ongoing construction works.
The security challenge has prompted increased collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Works and the Lagos State Police Command. Dare disclosed that some personnel deployed to protect the highway infrastructure had been attacked by suspected vandals, with two members of the Coastal Guard being stabbed. The Federal Government is considering alternative measures to protect the highway infrastructure, including replacing vulnerable clear-view fencing with more durable barriers.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is a critical infrastructure project that aims to improve transportation and economic development in the region. However, the persistent security and safety challenges confronting the project have raised concerns about its timely completion. The Federal Government has urged motorists and other road users to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
The Federal Government's efforts to address the security challenges on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway are ongoing. With increased police deployment and collaboration between relevant authorities, the government aims to ensure the safety and integrity of the project. Motorists and other road users are expected to adhere to traffic rules and regulations to ensure a safe and smooth journey.
Key points
- The vandals' activities have resulted in the removal of about five kilometres of clear-view fencing and the theft of manhole covers covering approximately 18 kilometres.
- The Federal Government is considering alternative measures to protect the highway infrastructure, including replacing vulnerable clear-view fencing with more durable barriers.
- Motorists are warned not to exceed 30 kilometres per hour on the highway due to ongoing construction works.
