By Patrick Idowu
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway will be ready for commissioning by January 2026, the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, has announced.
Umahi made the disclosure on Wednesday during an inspection tour of the multi-billion-naira highway project, accompanied by financial promoters from Dutch Bank and the Development Bank of Southern Africa.
“We came to review the project with the financial promoters,” the Minister said, expressing satisfaction with the progress so far.
According to Umahi, 20 kilometers of the highway—starting from Ahmadu Bello Way in Lagos—will be completed by May, but the pace of work suggests they may exceed that target.
“This project is over 70 per cent done, yet the contractor has not received 70 per cent of the funding.
“That’s why I call them true nation-builders, not profit-seekers,” he stated, applauding Hitech Construction Company for their dedication and technical excellence.
He described the road as “exceptionally well-designed,” noting that although the concrete was specified at 275mm thickness, Hitech had delivered 280mm.
The Minister also revealed that portions of land along the highway corridor have been acquired for tourism, industries, factories, and housing estates, positioning the route as a key driver of economic growth.
Umahi, however, raised concerns about motorists accessing the highway directly from nearby homes, saying proper barriers and interchanges must be incorporated to maintain traffic flow.
“The superhighway must be accessed through flyovers and interchanges to avoid gridlock,” he warned.
He praised the Department of Bridge and Roads and the Lagos Works Controller for their roles, reiterating his confidence that the ambitious project would be completed on schedule.
“I assure you that by January next year, God willing, we have this road completed,” Umahi declared.
