Lagos-Calabar Highway: FG Reroutes Project, Reduces Lanes to Six

The Federal Government has announced significant changes to the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, rerouting its path to prevent potential damage to subsea cables owned by telecommunication companies. Additionally, the project will be reduced from 10 lanes to six as a cost-saving measure.

Minister of Works, David Umahi, disclosed these updates during a meeting with contractors in Abuja on Tuesday. He confirmed that a total of N10 billion has been disbursed as compensation to property owners affected by the necessary demolitions for the construction of the 700km highway. The first 47 kilometers of the project are expected to be open to the public by May next year.

The construction of the Lagos-Calabar highway, which spans nine states with extensions to the northern regions, began earlier this year. The project, featuring concrete pavement, aims to connect Eko Atlantic and the Lekki deep sea port in its first section.

“We have cut down the project size to six lanes, especially from sections two, three, and four,” Umahi stated. “This adjustment is part of our commitment to the project. Contrary to some reports, the project is not stopped. Currently, over four kilometers of concrete road on six lanes have been completed.”

He also mentioned the rerouting due to concerns raised by MTN about subsea cables and the Okuaja community. “We established a new path to avoid these areas, resuming the original alignment at kilometer 25,” he explained.

The government has already disbursed N2.75 billion in compensation to affected property owners and plans to continue stakeholder engagements in Cross River or Akwa Ibom for sections three and four. The aim is to complete section one by May 29, 2025.

Despite the progress, Umahi acknowledged financial challenges, noting the government inherited over 2,600 projects valued at N15 trillion and initiated 330 emergency projects worth N260 billion, 80% of which have been completed.

Furthermore, Umahi announced that Julius Berger would resume work on the remaining section of the Abuja-Kano road after resolving previous issues. He also addressed the recent flooding of the Kara bridge, stating the problem has been fixed and CCTV installations are underway to enhance security.

The minister emphasized that future project costs would be controlled by the government rather than contractors to avoid price variations.