Minister of Works, David Umahi, has said that the first phase of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project is over 70 percent complete.
Speaking during a project inspection on Wednesday, Umahi said the section of the highway stretching 20 kilometres from Ahmadu Bello Way in Lagos, initially projected to be completed by May, would exceed expectations.
“We are going to surpass the 20km from this site,” he said.
The minister, who was accompanied by financiers from the Dutch Bank and the Development Bank of Southern Africa, added that the entire first phase would be completed by January 2026.
“Let me state that this project is over 70 percent done, and the contractor has not got funds up to 70 percent. That is why I call them people that have set their minds towards nation-building rather than making money,” he said.
Umahi, a former governor of Ebonyi State, said the project had also led to the acquisition of land along the route for purposes such as tourism, industrial development, housing estates and factory construction.
“These are the road architecture that you are going to receive on this highway,” he stated.
“I assure you that by January next year, God willing, we have this road completed.”
The minister noted that foreign financial partners had expressed satisfaction with the progress, technical quality, and structural soundness of the project.
He also praised Hitech Construction Company, the contractor handling the project, for its professionalism and adherence to high standards.
“The road is exceptionally technically well-designed,” he said.
“The concrete thickness is designed for 275 millimetres but what they are doing is 280 millimetres.”
Umahi also commended the bridge and roads department and the Lagos controller of works for their roles in the project.
He, however, issued a warning against motorists attempting to access the highway directly from residential homes, stating that proper entry points must be used.
“It is going to be a very serious issue; so, we have to design a barrier,” he said.
“I know that you are putting a retaining wall but you have not incorporated a retaining wall all through.”
The minister added that the superhighway should be accessed only through designated flyovers and interchanges to avoid traffic congestion.
