The Federal Government has announced significant changes to the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project. To avoid damaging telecommunication subsea cables, the highway’s route has been altered. Additionally, the project’s scale has been reduced from ten lanes to six to manage costs more effectively.
David Umahi, the Minister of Works, revealed these updates during a meeting with contractors in Abuja. He also stated that N10 billion has been allocated for compensating property owners affected by the highway’s construction. The first 47 kilometers of the 700-kilometer highway are expected to be accessible by May next year.
Initially launched earlier this year, the highway is designed to span nine states, with additional routes extending to northern regions. The project employs concrete pavement for durability. A dedicated committee was formed to evaluate and compensate landowners impacted by the construction.
Payments began on May 1st, with N2.75 billion disbursed to affected property owners. The first segment of the highway will stretch from Eko Atlantic to the Lekki deep sea port.
Minister Umahi emphasized the project’s continuity and progress, dismissing rumors of its halt. Over four kilometers of the six-lane concrete road are already complete. Adjustments to the route were necessary to address concerns from telecommunication companies and local communities, leading to a new alignment at kilometer 25.
The minister highlighted the strategic importance of the project, expecting it to generate returns through tolls and associated developments like tourism and industrial zones. Sections three and four are nearing final design stages, with stakeholder engagements planned in Cross River or Akwa Ibom for procurement processes.
Umahi also discussed financial constraints, noting that the government inherited numerous projects worth N15 trillion and initiated 330 emergency projects totaling N260 billion, of which over 80% are completed. He assured that contractor costs will now be tightly regulated.
In other infrastructure updates, Julius Berger is set to resume work on the Abuja-Kano project, having resolved previous issues. Additionally, measures have been implemented to prevent future flooding of the Kara bridge, with CCTV installations enhancing security and rapid response capabilities.
Victoria Ibiama
