Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway: Catalyst for economic growth, says Umahi

By Kunle Sanni

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has described the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and other major infrastructure projects as critical investments in Nigeria’s economic future.

Umahi made this assertion on Saturday, during an inspection tour of ongoing construction on Phase I, Sections I and II of the highway in Lagos.

The ambitious project, spanning nine coastal states, is expected to boost socio-economic activities, generate clean energy, and foster regional development.

“This project is an investment in our collective future,” Umahi stated, emphasizing its potential to stimulate economic growth along Nigeria’s shoreline.

Umahi revealed that the highway will integrate innovative green energy solutions, including wind turbines for clean energy generation and solar-powered lighting along the route.

He added that the corridor will accommodate a train service running parallel to the highway, enhancing transportation and investment opportunities for communities along the route.

In Northern Nigeria, legacy projects will feature dams for electricity generation and irrigation, further contributing to national development.

Commending Hitech Africa Construction Limited for its commitment to quality and adherence to project timelines, Umahi praised the company’s technical expertise and the speed of ongoing work.

The Federal Controller of Works for Lagos State, Olukorede Kesha, provided project updates, noting that the highway stretches 750 kilometers from Ahmadu Bello Way Junction in Victoria Island to Calabar in Cross River State, with an additional spur to Abakaliki in Ebonyi State.

The Lagos section alone covers 103 kilometers and is being constructed using continuous reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP).

Kesha also highlighted ongoing challenges, including compensation for properties within the Right of Way (RoW) and construction delays in the Lekki Free Zone area, which spans 55.77 kilometers. However, the contractor has committed to completing this section by May 2025.

Umahi addressed concerns involving stakeholders in the Lekki Free Trade Zone and Lagos Free Trade Zone, assuring that compensation would be provided for affected properties. Additional requests, including extra flyovers, water discharge points, and solar lighting, were also approved.

Both trade zone management teams commended the Minister for facilitating discussions and resolving disputes, viewing the outcomes as a positive step toward improving the business environment.

During the tour, Umahi also inspected Section I of the Lekki Deep Sea Port Access Road project, which spans 54.2 kilometers from Epe to the Sagamu-Benin Expressway. This section, handled by the Dangote Group under the Federal Government’s Tax Credit Scheme, cuts across Lagos and Ogun States.

Other notable infrastructure projects under the Renewed Hope Legacy Road Projects include:

• Ilelah (Sokoto) – Badagry (Lagos) Super Highway – 1,058 kilometers (ongoing in Sokoto and Kebbi States)
• Abakaliki (Ebonyi State) – Abuja Dual Carriageway – 474 kilometers (recently awarded)
• Akwanga (Nasarawa State) – Jos (Plateau State) – Bauchi – Gombe Road – 420 kilometers (in the procurement phase)

These infrastructure initiatives are expected to transform Nigeria’s transportation network and drive national economic growth.