The Federal Government has assured Nigerians that the first 47 kilometers of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway will be completed by May next year.
This portion of the project is part of a larger initiative to improve road infrastructure throughout Nigeria and connect the coastal states.
David Umahi, the minister of works, announced that the road will be tolled for 5 to 10 years to recover construction costs.
“I am very happy with the work and people have been asking me that we say that 47-kilometre will be commissioned by May 29, and they are counting months for me, and they are counting months for Hitech. But I have no fear about what Hitech is doing. First, it is good quality work,” the minister stated.
Background
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, is an initiative that aims to connect Lagos, the nation’s commercial hub, with Calabar, a key coastal city in the South-South region.
The aim of the project is to improve economic activities along Nigeria’s coastlines, shorten travel times, and offer a dependable replacement for the ailing East-West Road, which has experienced frequent delays and poor upkeep.
To enable the smooth transportation of goods from the Dangote Refinery, Fertilizer Plant, and other significant industries within the Lekki Free Trade Zone, the minister emphasized the importance of the seven axle roads that are currently under construction.
Economic Impact of the Highway
Once completed, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is expected to boost economic activities along Nigeria’s coastal regions.
The road will facilitate the movement of goods and people, therefore improving trade between states like Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Rivers, and Cross River. Moreover, the highway is projected to reduce the cost of transporting goods, particularly agricultural products, from the South-South region to other parts of the country.
The highway could also spur investment in real estate, hospitality, and tourism along the coast.
With improved connectivity, there will be greater access to tourist destinations like Calabar, which hosts the famous Calabar Carnival, and the fresh beaches along Nigeria’s southern coast.
What do you need to know?
The 700-kilometer Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is a project that will cross nine states and is intended to improve connectivity and stimulate economic growth along Nigeria’s coastline.
By connecting to the Sagamu-Benin Expressway, this vital infrastructure will facilitate easier supply chains and logistics throughout several important regions, including the North, South-West, South-South, and South-East.
Hitech Construction Company Ltd. was given the project contract, and bears the majority of the financial and construction risks while receiving matching funding from the federal government.
The first phase of construction, spanning 47.7 kilometres in Lagos State and beginning at Ahmadu Bello Way, officially started in March 2024.
According to a previous statement made by the Minister of Works, the 700-kilometer highway will likely be finished in eight years, with several sections starting construction at the same time after procurement, approvals, and other requirements are met.
