Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Project Advances as Nigeria Pushes Forward with Landmark Infrastructure Development

 

The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway continues to take shape as one of Nigeria's most ambitious infrastructure projects, with construction progressing across multiple sections of the 700-kilometre corridor designed to connect Lagos to Calabar through nine coastal states. The Federal Government has repeatedly expressed confidence that work is advancing steadily, describing the highway as a transformational project expected to improve transportation, stimulate economic growth, and strengthen regional connectivity.

The multi-billion-naira highway will link Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River states, creating a modern coastal transport corridor that is expected to reduce travel times, improve the movement of goods and services, and encourage investments in tourism, agriculture, trade, and real estate. Officials say the project will also create thousands of direct and indirect jobs during construction and after completion.

Construction began in 2024, with HITECH Construction Company handling the first phase of the project. Government officials have stated that significant progress has already been made on the initial sections, while work continues on additional segments of the highway. Recent updates indicate that Section One is substantially completed and preparations are underway for further milestones, while Section Two is expected to reach another major stage of completion as construction continues.

Minister of Works Dave Umahi has consistently maintained that the project remains on track despite engineering challenges associated with building a major highway across coastal terrain. According to the Federal Government, modern construction techniques and strict quality standards are being employed to ensure the road meets international specifications and provides long-term durability.

The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway has generated significant public discussion since its announcement. Supporters view it as a strategic investment that could reshape Nigeria's transportation network, improve access between coastal communities, boost commerce, and attract new economic opportunities. However, the project has also faced criticism over its cost, funding arrangements, environmental concerns, and the demolition of some properties located along the proposed route. These issues have continued to generate debate among stakeholders, environmental experts, and affected communities.

Despite the differing opinions surrounding the project, construction activities continue across various sections, with the Federal Government reaffirming its commitment to completing the highway within its planned timeline. Officials believe the completed road will become one of Africa's most significant transport corridors, improving connectivity between Nigeria's coastal states while supporting long-term economic development and national integration.