The Federal Ministry of Works, led by David Umahi under the administration of Bola Tinubu, has announced that the design of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is being revised to reduce the need for bridge construction across multiple states.
The redesign focuses on sections passing through Ondo, Delta, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Bayelsa, aiming to eliminate nearly 90% of the planned bridges, some of which would have stretched up to three kilometres.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting on the project’s second phase in Lagos on Sunday, Umahi explained that the new plan involves redirecting the highway to upland areas, reducing the need for multiple bridges over water bodies.
This strategic change is expected to significantly lower costs while maintaining effective infrastructure development.
He said, “For the sections of Ondo, the section of Delta, the section of Port- Harcourt, the continuous section in Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa, we are confronted with a lot of bridges, some as long as three kilometres. We don’t want to do that. That is going to cost us a fortune. So, we are redesigning, going to the uplands of the corridor, and so that is going to eliminate about 90% of the bridges so that it will be cost effective and then there will be return on investment. This is what is happening on the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway.”
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is more than just a road and bridge project; it is designed to serve as a vital economic investment corridor. Umahi highlights that the highway will boost commercial activities, promote tourism, and facilitate renewable energy projects like windmill power generation. Moreover, by linking with existing road networks, the highway will enhance national integration and improve accessibility.
The minister said, “And let me say that this is beyond roads and bridges. It is an investment. Along the corridor, we’re going to have a lot of commercial activities. Tourism is going to grow in a very dignified and intensified manner. We’re going to have wind mill energy. This coastal Highway is going to be connected to the existing roads. A lot of them, we inherited.”
Regarding the Lekki Free Zone, Umahi revealed that the government has planned an 80-meter-span bridge to ensure smooth truck movement around the Dangote Refinery and other industrial zones.
He confirmed that consultations with relevant stakeholders have been finalized, and all necessary approvals, including land revocation and enumeration, have been granted by the Lagos State government. Looking ahead, Bola Tinubu has instructed that the construction be extended into Cross River and Akwa Ibom states. Specifically, section 3a has been awarded in Cross River and section 3b in Akwa Ibom, covering a total of 65 km.
The official groundbreaking for construction in these regions is anticipated in the coming weeks.
He said, “The numeration of section two has been concluded. The revocation of course has been signed by the Lagos state governor, both sections 1&2.
“For section 3, graciously, Mr. President directed that we should go to Cross River and Akwa Ibom. So, we have awarded section 3a in Cross River, 3b in Akwa Ibom and that’s a total of 65 km by 2. And by next week or upper week, we’ll go there to officially have it flagged off for construction.”
(Arise News)
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