Roads
By Ola Wale
The Federal Government has given the green light for a temporary opening of a 47‑kilometre section of the Lagos‑Calabar Coastal Highway, marking a small but symbolic breakthrough on the massive infrastructure project. The stretch runs from the Ahmadu Bello Way junction in Lagos to the Eleko village junction in Ogun State, and motorists can now use it while construction on the larger corridor continues.
Officials say the temporary opening is aimed at easing the chronic congestion that plagues the Lekki‑Ajah corridor, especially during the festive season when traffic volumes surge. By allowing traffic onto the newly completed segment, the government hopes to shave off travel time for commuters and reduce the economic cost of delays for businesses that rely on the road.
The 47 km segment is part of the first phase of the 700‑kilometre coastal highway, which, when finished, will link Lagos to Calabar and pass through nine coastal states. The project is billed as a catalyst for regional integration, opening up trade routes, tourism, and investment opportunities along Nigeria’s Atlantic seaboard.
Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, announced that the full completion of Section 1—of which this temporary opening is a part—is slated for April 2026. He added that the government is accelerating work on the remaining sections, with a focus on bridging critical gaps that currently hinder seamless travel between the western and eastern coasts.
Stakeholders have welcomed the move, noting that even a partial opening can have a disproportionate impact on local economies. Truck drivers hauling goods from the ports of Lagos to the eastern states are already reporting shorter turnaround times, while small‑scale traders along the route anticipate increased footfall.
The temporary opening also serves as a morale booster for the thousands of workers involved in the project. As the highway inches closer to its ambitious deadline, the government’s message is clear: the Lagos‑Calabar Coastal Highway is not just a vision on paper, but a road that is gradually becoming a reality for millions of Nigerians.
