FG to open first section 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.

The full commissioning of the section is scheduled for April 2026, with about two kilometres left to complete.

Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, disclosed this on Sunday during an inspection tour of the project, where a total of 47.37 kilometres was assessed.

The 700-kilometre Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway stretches from Victoria Island in Lagos to Calabar in Cross River State.

Speaking with journalists, Umahi expressed satisfaction with the progress recorded so far.

He explained that construction was deliberately slowed in certain areas to allow proper subsoil settlement—an essential engineering process needed to guarantee the durability and structural integrity of the highway.

He praised Hitech Construction Company, describing its commitment to the project as “uncommon” and driven by more than financial gains.

On funding, Umahi revealed that the foreign loan component for the project was oversubscribed by $100 million, describing it as a strong signal of investor confidence in the project’s economic prospects and the ministry’s transparent management.

Hitech Managing Director Danny Aboud also provided updates, noting steady sand filling across critical swamp zones and confirming that between 34 and 35 kilometres of the reinforced concrete pavement has been completed.

Beyond Section One, the inspection extended to a 25-kilometre federal dual carriageway under construction between Eleko near Dangote Cement, Ibeju-Lekki, and Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State, as well as a massive flyover at Chainage 47.474 designed to link Sections One and Two of the highway.

According to Umahi, 80 per cent of piling works on the interchange have been completed.

The structure, expected to be delivered in the first quarter of 2026, will facilitate smooth traffic flow to the Dangote Refinery and the port access road.

The minister also announced the launch of the President Tinubu Engineering Mentorship Programme, set to begin in January.

The initiative will recruit civil engineers, electrical engineers, designers, and technicians nationwide, offering hands-on training on major national projects, including the coastal highway and the Sokoto–Badagry coastal road.

Umahi added that participants would receive start-up support to acquire essential equipment upon completing the programme, a move aimed at strengthening indigenous engineering capacity and reducing dependence on foreign expertise.