FG to Open First Completed Stretch of Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway in December

The Federal Government has announced plans to open the completed portion of Section One of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway to motorists between December 12 and 17, marking the first major milestone in the construction of the multi-state, 700-kilometre superhighway. The project, which begins in Victoria Island, Lagos, and is expected to terminate in Calabar, Cross River State, is one of the most ambitious infrastructure undertakings in Nigeria’s recent history.

Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, disclosed the development on Sunday during an inspection tour of the project corridor. According to him, although Section One is nearing full completion—with about two kilometres left—the stretch that has been completed will be opened temporarily to allow controlled vehicular movement in December. The formal commissioning of the entire Section One is scheduled for April 2026.

Umahi’s inspection covered a total of 47.37 kilometres, during which he praised the speed and quality of work delivered by Hitech Construction Company, the lead contractor. He noted that some parts of the road were intentionally slowed down due to engineering considerations, particularly the need for adequate subsoil settlement. This, he said, is essential for ensuring the long-term stability and durability of the highway, which is being built using reinforced concrete pavement instead of asphalt.

The minister commended Hitech for what he described as exceptional dedication, emphasising that the company’s commitment “goes far beyond financial incentives.” He also addressed concerns about funding, noting that the foreign loan component for the highway had been oversubscribed by $100 million—an indication, he said, that international financiers have faith in the economic prospects of the project and the Ministry of Works’ management processes.

In his remarks, Hitech’s Managing Director, Danny Aboud, provided updates on the technical progress. He revealed that sand filling operations were advancing smoothly across swampy terrains, while between 34 and 35 kilometres of the concrete-reinforced pavement had been completed. These foundational works, he added, are critical to ensuring that the highway remains resilient over decades of heavy usage.

Beyond Section One, Umahi and his team also inspected ongoing works in other segments, including a 25-kilometre dual carriageway being constructed by the Federal Government from the Eleko area near Dangote Cement in Ibeju-Lekki to Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State. The minister further toured a major flyover at Chainage 47.474, designed to connect Sections One and Two of the highway. With 80% of its piling already completed, the interchange is projected to be delivered in the first quarter of 2026, and is expected to ease traffic flow toward the Dangote Refinery and other critical industrial hubs within the Lekki axis.

Umahi also used the occasion to unveil the President Tinubu Engineering Mentorship Programme, a new initiative set to begin in January. The programme will recruit engineers, designers, technicians, and other young professionals across the country to receive hands-on training on flagship national projects such as the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto–Badagry Coastal Road. After completing the programme, participants will receive start-up support to acquire essential equipment, a step the minister believes will help build local capacity and reduce dependence on foreign expertise.

While public reactions to the project remain sharply divided—with some praising the progress and others questioning priorities—the Federal Government insists the coastal highway will stimulate economic growth, connect major coastal cities, facilitate trade, and support tourism and industrial expansion. As December approaches, all eyes are now on the initial opening, which will offer Nigerians their first tangible experience of what is envisioned to be a transformative national infrastructure asset.