– 700km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway set for January 2026 completion
– Minister Umahi praises contractor’s commitment amid funding delays
– Highway to feature tourism, industrial, and residential developments along corridor
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project has reached over 70% completion, with final delivery expected by January 2026, according to Nigeria’s Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi. During an inspection on April 30, 2025, Umahi commended the contractor, Hitech Construction Company, for progressing significantly despite receiving less than 70% of the allocated funds.
The 700-kilometer highway, which commenced construction in March 2024, is designed to connect Victoria Island in Lagos State to Calabar in Cross River State, traversing through nine coastal states. The first phase, a 47.47-kilometer stretch starting from Ahmadu Bello Way in Victoria Island, Lagos, is nearing completion and is expected to be finished by May 29, 2025.
Umahi highlighted that the highway’s design includes provisions for tourism, industrial zones, factories, and housing estates along its corridor. He also noted the technical excellence of the construction, mentioning that the concrete thickness exceeds the initial design specifications, enhancing the road’s durability.
Addressing safety concerns, Umahi emphasized the need for designated access points, such as flyovers and interchanges, to prevent motorists from entering the highway directly from their residences, which could lead to traffic congestion.
The project is financed through an Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Financing (EPC+) model, with support from international partners, including Dutch Bank and the Development Bank of Southern Africa.
