Lagos-Calabar Highway to Be Completed in Three Years — Umahi

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has said the Federal Government expects to complete the 750-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway within the next three years, expressing confidence in the progress of the project.

Umahi gave the assurance in an interview with ARISE News anchor Ojy Okpe, saying construction was progressing across several sections of the highway despite engineering challenges along the route.

“I believe that within the next three years plus, the President will complete the project,” the minister said.

According to Umahi, five of the highway’s nine sections are currently under construction, while work is yet to commence on some stretches through Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa and Edo states.

He said major progress had been made on the sections already underway, particularly in sand-filling operations, which he described as a significant stage in constructing the highway.

The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is one of the major infrastructure projects of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. The road is designed to connect Lagos with Calabar in Cross River State, passing through several states along Nigeria’s southern coastline.

Construction began in Lagos in March 2024, with work progressing from both the Lagos and Calabar ends. The project is intended to improve transportation links, facilitate trade and support economic activities across the southern states.

However, some sections remain at the design and survey stages, particularly along the Niger Delta corridor, where difficult terrain and environmental considerations have complicated construction planning.

Umahi said the project was being developed in sections, with engineering designs, soil investigations and environmental assessments carried out for individual stretches before construction begins.

The highway has also faced public scrutiny over its cost, route alignment and environmental impact. Recent changes involving the integration of parts of the existing East-West Road into the wider transport corridor have generated debate over the project’s implementation.

The minister has maintained that the overall 750-kilometre coastal highway remains part of the government’s plan and that additional road reconstruction works would complement the project.

Umahi’s latest timeline signals the government’s intention to complete the highway within the coming years, although the delivery schedule will depend on continued construction, completion of outstanding designs and progress across the remaining sections.