The Minister of Works, Engr. (Sen.) David Umahi, has emphasized that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and other significant projects are vital for Nigeria’s economic growth. He made this assertion during an inspection tour of ongoing construction on Phase I, Sections I and II of the highway in Lagos.
Umahi stated, “The project, designed to traverse nine states along Nigeria’s shoreline, is an investment in our collective future.” He elaborated that the Coastal Highway will include wind turbines to generate clean energy, contributing to carbon credits and positioning Nigeria as an environmentally friendly nation. In addition to wind energy, the project will feature solar lights and a train service along the alignment, stimulating socio-economic investments in coastal areas.
The Minister highlighted that legacy projects in northern Nigeria will incorporate dams for electricity generation and agricultural irrigation, alongside the construction of train tracks.
Commending the contractor, Hitech Africa Construction Limited, Umahi praised their technical expertise, project pace, and commitment to quality and timelines.
Engr. Olukorede Kesha, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, provided details about the highway, which stretches from the Ahmadu Bello Way Junction in Victoria Island to Calabar in Cross River State, with a spur to Abakaliki in Ebonyi State, totaling approximately 750 km. The Lagos section alone measures 103 kilometers and is being constructed using continuous reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP). A phased execution approach has been adopted for ease of construction.
Kesha also mentioned ongoing compensation payments for properties affected by the Right of Way (RoW) and highlighted challenges related to the Lekki Free Zone, specifically within Phase I, Section II, which spans 55.77 kilometers. The contractor has committed to completing this section by May 2025.
During the inspection, Umahi addressed stakeholder conflicts involving the Lekki Free Trade and Lagos Free Trade Zones, facilitating unhindered access for construction. He reported that the companies had requested compensation for affected properties, and these concerns were resolved, including provisions for additional flyovers and water discharge points.
The engagement was praised by the Management of the Lekki and Lagos Free Trade Zone Companies, who viewed it as a significant step toward improving the business environment.
In addition to the Coastal Highway, the Minister inspected Section I of the Lekki Deep Sea Port Access Road, a 54.2 km project being developed by the Dangote Group under the Federal Government’s Tax Credit Scheme.
Umahi also outlined three other Renewed Hope Legacy Road Projects: the Ilelah (Sokoto) – Badagry (Lagos) Super Highway (1,058 km), the Abakaliki (Ebonyi State) – Abuja (FCT) Dual Carriageway (474 km), and the Akwanga (Nasarawa State) – Jos (Plateau State) – Bauchi – Gombe road (420 km). The first is currently being constructed in two sections, while the second has been awarded and the third is in the procurement stage.
