Umahi targets May commissioning for Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway section one

2026-02-22 - 16:16

By Jeff Agbodo ABAKALIKI — Minister of Works, David Umahi, has announced that Section One of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway is on track for commissioning by May, even as he condemned vandalism and improper waste disposal along the project corridor. Umahi gave the assurance during a weekend inspection of the project, lamenting the cutting of metal fences and dumping of refuse into manholes, which he described as acts that endanger lives and public infrastructure. Progress despite terrain challenges In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Francis Nwaze, the minister said the Federal Government had intensified work on the strategic coastal corridor linking Lagos to the South-South and South-East. He noted that difficult soil conditions, with pits exceeding 20 metres in depth, had tested engineering limits but were being successfully managed by the contractor, HITECH Construction Company. Umahi praised the company’s resilience, revealing that unexpected soil challenges were being addressed at the contractor’s expense without any upward review of the project cost. Section nearing completion According to the minister, the three-kilometre stretch under inspection is nearing completion, with sub-filling expected to be concluded within days. Once opened, motorists will be able to drive from Ahmadu Bello Way through Lekki, extending toward the Dangote Refinery axis as work progresses on Section Two. He said consolidation tests would be conducted in March, followed by concrete works in April if conditions are favourable, paving the way for commissioning by May 20. Crackdown on vandalism Umahi commended security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, for their vigilance and warned that offenders caught vandalising infrastructure would be prosecuted. He described acts such as cutting metal fences and dumping refuse in manholes as dangerous and unacceptable, adding that temporary sealing measures would be introduced to prevent tampering. Timeline for other sections The minister disclosed that Section Two of the highway is expected to be delivered before the end of the year, while all bridges across both sections are projected for completion by April next year. He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to delivering transformative infrastructure, crediting the leadership of Bola Ahmed Tinubu for sustaining progress despite environmental and economic challenges. Umahi also warned contractors against misusing advance payments, directing those who have collected funds without returning to site to resume work immediately or face sanctions. He described the coastal highway as a national priority that will enhance connectivity, stimulate economic growth, and strengthen regional integration upon completion.