Umahi’s Vision For The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road: A Blueprint For National Transformation (OPINION)
By Isaac Asabor
In a time when Nigeria faces numerous infrastructural challenges, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project stands as a beacon of hope and transformation. This ambitious initiative, a key part of the Renewed Hope administration’s vision, is not only set to address the country’s urgent need for road infrastructure but also promises to redefine Nigeria’s transportation network, contributing to economic growth and national prosperity. Spearheaded by Honourable Minister of Works, Sen. Engr. David Umahi, the project is steadily progressing, with its completion poised to bring immense benefits to the nation.
Without a doubt, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project is a cornerstone of the administration’s commitment to improving transportation across the country. This 750-kilometer stretch, which will connect Lagos to Calabar, is part of the Renewed Hope initiative that aims to create critical economic corridors throughout the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. The highway will facilitate the movement of goods and people, reduce travel times, and boost trade and commerce between key regions of the country. With this project, the government hopes to ensure equitable development by fostering connectivity between areas that have long been disconnected, both physically and economically.
During a recent inspection of the project’s progress in Lagos, Sen. Umahi commended the quality of work being done by the contractors, Hitech Construction Company Ltd., and expressed confidence that the highway would be delivered on time, with even more value-added features than initially planned. “Work is progressing on Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway,” Umahi remarked, underscoring the government’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s infrastructure. The project’s continued progress and the new features being introduced are proof of the government’s dedication to making this project a success.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project is more than just an ordinary road construction effort. It is a visionary undertaking aimed at addressing several critical issues related to infrastructure, safety, and economic development. Umahi’s approach to this project is based on excellence, innovation, and sustainability, all of which will make the highway a model for future road development in Nigeria.
One of the most innovative aspects of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project is the integration of solar-powered CCTV surveillance along the entire 750 kilometers of the route. This will significantly enhance the security of the highway, ensuring the safety of travelers and making it more resilient to potential threats. As Sen. Umahi pointed out, the entire stretch of the highway will be monitored by CCTV cameras, with the data being used to improve road safety, respond quickly to emergencies, and ensure that the highway remains safe for users. This feature is in line with the government’s vision of using technology to enhance public safety and improve the quality of life for Nigerians.
Every five kilometers, the project will include a security post in a portal cabin, where security personnel will be stationed to monitor the road and respond quickly to any emergencies. This is part of a larger plan to ensure that the highway is not only secure but also efficient, with the response time to incidents reduced to just minutes. The CCTV surveillance system will be powered by solar energy, making it a sustainable solution that will also reduce the operational costs of running the highway’s security infrastructure.
Another significant feature of the highway project is the incorporation of lay bays, which will serve as rest areas for travelers. These lay bays will be equipped with amenities to ensure that drivers and passengers have a safe and comfortable space to rest, refuel, and take a break. This focus on safety and comfort for road users is an important aspect of the project’s design and demonstrates the government’s commitment to improving the travel experience for Nigerians.
While the primary purpose of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is to improve transportation, the project also has far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s economy. By improving road connectivity, the highway will unlock new economic opportunities, particularly in the south-south and south-west regions. The highway will provide a critical link between Lagos, one of the largest commercial hubs in Africa, and Calabar, a major port city in the southeast. This connectivity will facilitate the movement of goods, reduce transportation costs, and improve access to markets.
The highway will also foster the development of key industries, such as agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism, by improving access to regional markets and ensuring that goods and services can be transported more efficiently. For instance, agricultural products from the south-south region will be able to reach Lagos and other markets more easily, contributing to the growth of the agricultural sector and improving food security in the country. Similarly, the improved infrastructure will enhance the ease of doing business, attracting investment to the region and boosting Nigeria’s economic growth.
The project is expected to have a multiplier effect on the economy, generating jobs, boosting local businesses, and improving the overall quality of life for millions of Nigerians. As Sen. Umahi noted, the Renewed Hope administration is committed to ensuring that the benefits of this project are felt across the country. The government has adopted a milestone-based approach to the execution of the project, ensuring that significant progress is made in all parts of the country and that no region is left behind.
Like any large-scale infrastructure project, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway has faced its share of challenges. At the commencement of the project, the contractors encountered a number of unforeseen issues, including the discovery of refuse dumps and other environmental concerns. The Federal Controller of Works, Engr. Olukorede Kashia, acknowledged these challenges but expressed confidence that they would be overcome. “We encountered a lot of issues that were not foreseen because they were really covered,” she said. However, she emphasized that these challenges were being addressed, and the project was progressing as planned.
The project’s contractors, Hitech Construction Company Ltd., have worked diligently to address these challenges, including the removal of refuse dumps and the replacement of the topsoil with better-quality material. Despite these obstacles, the project is on track to meet its targets, and the timely delivery of the project remains a priority for the government.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project is just one of several key legacy projects initiated by the Renewed Hope administration, which is committed to revitalizing Nigeria’s infrastructure and creating a more prosperous future for all Nigerians. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given the project his full backing, ensuring that the necessary resources and support are provided for its successful completion. The president’s intervention in the funding of the project, despite the government’s focus on other critical sectors such as education, health, and security, highlights his commitment to improving the country’s infrastructure and positioning Nigeria for future success.
Umahi’s leadership has been instrumental in ensuring that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project stays on course. Under his direction, the project has become a flagship initiative for the Renewed Hope administration, symbolizing the government’s dedication to delivering on its promises to the Nigerian people. With the continued support of President Tinubu, the project is poised to be completed on time and within budget, setting a new standard for road infrastructure development in Nigeria.
As the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project progresses, Nigerians can look forward to a future where the country’s infrastructure is modernized, its transportation network is more efficient, and its economy is better connected. The highway will not only enhance mobility but will also create new opportunities for economic development, job creation, and improved living standards. With the completion of the highway, Nigeria will have a vital transportation corridor that will foster regional integration, enhance trade, and promote tourism.
By May 2025, sections of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, including the first 20 kilometers of Section I, are expected to be commissioned. This milestone is a testament to the government’s commitment to timely project delivery, and it sets the stage for the completion of the entire project in the near future. With Sen. Umahi’s leadership, the support of President Tinubu, and the expertise of Hitech Construction Company Ltd., the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project will undoubtedly be one of Nigeria’s most important and successful infrastructure projects in recent history.
The future of Nigeria’s infrastructure is looking brighter, and the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is just the beginning. With continued investment in road infrastructure, Nigeria is well on its way to becoming a more connected, prosperous, and secure nation. The vision set out by Sen. Umahi and the Renewed Hope administration is clear: deliver the infrastructure Nigerians deserve, enhance economic opportunities, and lay the foundation for a brighter future. The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is a key part of that vision, and with the unwavering dedication of all those involved, it will be delivered as promised—transforming Nigeria’s transportation landscape for generations to come.
