The Federal Government has confirmed that Section One of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway is on track to be inaugurated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in May 2026.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, provided the update during a weekend inspection of the project, highlighting the pace of work as evidence of the administration’s commitment to delivering transformative infrastructure despite challenging terrain and environmental conditions.
Umahi, who recently inspected the Aba–Port Harcourt Expressway in Abia State, reiterated that it is also scheduled for completion by May. His Senior Special Assistant on Media, Francis Nweze, said progress along the coastal corridor, which links Lagos to the South-South and South-East, demonstrates the government’s dedication to national development.
The Minister acknowledged that the project faced deep soil conditions, requiring excavation pits exceeding 20 metres, but noted that these challenges were being effectively managed. “We have no doubt that a man who once worked with a courageous president to tame the Atlantic Ocean can overcome the challenges on this coastal route,” Umahi stated.
While the section under inspection is not the most difficult part of the highway, soil data provided by HITECH Construction Company indicated pit depths ranging between 18 and 21 metres—comparable to previously challenging areas that have since been stabilized. Umahi commended the contractor’s resilience, noting that the unexpected soil challenges were being absorbed at no additional cost to the government.
“No other contractor can bear this level of risk. You have proven that you are not working for money, but for the success of the country,” he said.
The 3-kilometre stretch currently under inspection is nearing completion, with sub-filling expected to conclude within days. “In the next seven days, sub-filling will be completed, and this entire section opened to traffic. By May, we want Section One commissioned,” Umahi said. However, he cautioned that the final timeline depends on consolidation tests scheduled for March. If results are satisfactory, concrete work will be completed in April, paving the way for a May 20 commissioning.
The Minister condemned acts of vandalism along the corridor, including the cutting of metal fences and the dumping of refuse into manholes, describing them as “dangerous and criminal.” He commended security agencies for their vigilance and warned that offenders would face prosecution, adding that a seven-member Senior Advocate of Nigeria team is ready to handle all litigation related to the project.
Linking the steady progress to the Tinubu administration’s broader reform agenda, Umahi emphasized that infrastructure delivery is central to national economic recovery. Section Two of the highway is expected to be completed before the end of the year, with all bridges across both sections projected for completion by April 2027.
Acknowledging earlier skepticism, the Minister stated that the administration had defied expectations of failure. He cited improving macroeconomic indicators, including currency stability, rising foreign reserves, and easing inflation, as evidence of deliberate leadership and sound policy direction.
Umahi also issued a stern warning to contractors misusing advance payments, declaring that the era of abandoned projects is over. “Anyone holding Advance Payment Guarantees must return to site. I will not approve payments while government money is idle. That era is gone,” he said.
He reaffirmed his commitment to working with President Tinubu to deliver critical infrastructure nationwide, adding, “This is a national task. With discipline, resolve, and faith, we will retake our country.”
The inspection was attended by senior presidential aides, including the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, South-East, Barrister Chioma Nweze, and her South-West counterpart, Moremi Ojudu.
If you want, I can also create a shorter, punchy version with a strong headline and subheadings suitable for quick online news reading that grabs attention instantly. Do you want me to do that?
Highway Section One Set for May Inauguration — FG
