Dave Umahi
By Olayiwola Mercy
The Federal Government of Nigeria is set to open Section 1 of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway to traffic between December 12 and 17, 2025. This marks a significant milestone in the execution of the landmark project, which aims to improve mobility, boost economic activities, and strengthen connectivity across Nigeria’s coastal belt.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, announced this during an inspection tour of the highway, stating that the government and the contractor, Hitech Construction Company Limited, are committed to delivering the project. The section being opened is approximately 47 kilometers long, with six lanes and two carriageways.
According to Umahi, the contractor has achieved over 80% of the reinforced concrete pavement, and the project is on track. The minister also revealed that the entire Section 1 of the highway, plus half of Section 2, is expected to be completed by April 2026, excluding the bridges, which are part of the Section 2 contract.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is a 750-kilometer project connecting nine coastal states, designed to improve connectivity and strengthen economic activities along the Atlantic corridor. The project has generated controversy, with critics raising concerns about cost and procurement structure. However, Umahi urged the public to disregard online allegations regarding the project, stating that a recent Federal High Court ruling dismissed a suit challenging aspects of the highway project.
The court ruling found that the plaintiff, Stella Okengwu of Winhomes Global Services Limited, lacked the legal standing to pursue the suit, having already sold the land in question to third parties. Umahi emphasized that the government is committed to completing the project, which is expected to have a significant impact on Nigeria’s road infrastructure and economic development.
The project is being funded through a loan of $747 million from a group of financial institutions led by Deutsche Bank, with other financiers including the First Abu Dhabi Bank, African Export-Import Bank, and Zenith Bank. The Federal Government has assured that the project will be completed, despite controversies and challenges, and is expected to be a game-changer for Nigeria’s transportation sector.
