Beauty of Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road Will Inspire Nigerians to Seek Heaven – Dave Umahi

Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has described the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway as so stunning it evokes thoughts of heaven. Speaking on Arise TV, Umahi said the beauty of the highway is inspiring and uplifting.

“I was there; I was so excited and I said if the street of coastal highway can be this beautiful, how beautiful will the streets of heaven look? It makes us want to do better and make heaven,” Umahi said during the interview.

Umahi also provided updates on the progress of the 750km highway project. He revealed that 30km of Section One is set to be completed and commissioned by President Bola Tinubu on May 25. The highway, which stretches across six lanes—three in each direction—includes a 12-metre-wide train track in the median and bridges along the route.

He explained that the road’s elevation has been carefully designed to stay above expected ocean flood levels, though this has affected surrounding buildings, as the road level now sits at the same height as their first floors. To address this, a retaining wall is being constructed along the entire stretch.

According to Umahi, Section One spans 47.47km and is expected to be completed within 36 months, having officially started in March 2024. Construction on the Calabar axis will begin on April 14, followed by the Akwa Ibom section on April 15 and the Ebonyi segment on April 16.

Umahi also noted that the six geopolitical zones are covered by the four legacy infrastructure projects of the Tinubu administration.