The Federal Government has announced significant changes to the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, including rerouting the path to avoid damaging subsea cables owned by telecommunication companies and reducing the number of lanes from 10 to six as a cost-saving measure.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, revealed these adjustments during a meeting with contractors in Abuja on Tuesday. He also disclosed that the government had disbursed N10 billion in compensation to property owners affected by the construction of the 700 km highway.
The government commenced construction of the Lagos-Calabar highway earlier this year, which spans nine states with two spurs extending to the northern states. The highway is being built using concrete pavement and is expected to significantly enhance transportation infrastructure.
The first 47 kilometers of the project are slated to be open to the public by May next year, starting from Eko Atlantic and ending at the Lekki deep sea port.
“For the three legacy projects by the administration, including the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway, we have cut down the project size to six lanes, especially from sections two, three, and four. This shows our commitment. Over four kilometers of concrete road have already been completed on six lanes,” said Umahi.
He explained that the rerouting was necessary due to complaints from MTN about its subsea cable and concerns from the Okuaja community. The new alignment deviates from the original path but returns at kilometer 25, ensuring smooth progress.
“We have paid the total compensation of close to N10 billion. We are not owing, and the contractor is highly commended for their excellent work, commitment, and reasonable approach,” Umahi added.
The minister emphasized the economic benefits of the project, stating that it is an investment with inherent returns. He projected that within 10 years, the cost of the highway would be recovered through tourism, factories, and industries developed along the route.
Umahi also addressed the challenges faced due to the scarcity of funds, noting that the government inherited over 2,600 projects valued at N15 trillion and initiated 330 emergency projects totaling N260 billion. Despite these financial constraints, over 80% of the projects have been completed.
Additionally, Umahi announced that Julius Berger would resume construction on the remaining section of the Abuja-Kano highway after resolving some issues. He also assured that the recently flooded Kara bridge problem had been rectified, with CCTV installation underway to enhance security.
The adjustments to the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the commitment to ongoing infrastructure projects underscore the government’s efforts to improve Nigeria’s transportation network despite financial challenges.
