Umahi Threatens Closure of Lagos‑Calabar Coastal Highway

Umahi Threatens Closure of Lagos‑Calabar Coastal Highway

Senator Dave Umahi, Minister of Works, has warned that the Lagos‑Calabar Coastal Highway could be closed to traffic unless urgent safety measures are implemented at the construction site. The minister cited the recent death of a worker and ongoing traffic indiscipline — including speeding and driving against traffic — as major threats to both construction progress and public safety.

Speaking to reporters, Umahi stressed that the Federal Government (FG) is engaging contractors, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), LASTMA, and state authorities to enforce traffic control measures and ensure worker protection. He warned that sections of the highway temporarily opened to ease congestion could be suspended if safety lapses persist.

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The Lagos‑Calabar Coastal Highway, a 750‑kilometre key infrastructure project, is designed to enhance connectivity across southern Nigeria. The FG previously opened a 47‑kilometre section from Victoria Island to Eleko Junction temporarily, but Umahi noted that ongoing construction and roadwork demand strict compliance with safety regulations.

Officials have called for accelerated work on critical stretches, especially along the Akwa Ibom axis, while some stakeholders have urged the government to prioritize traffic management, clear signage, and alternative routes over a full closure, highlighting the highway’s importance to commuters and trade.

The minister’s threat underscores the delicate balance between infrastructure development and safety, highlighting the government’s commitment to protecting workers while completing one of Nigeria’s most ambitious road projects.

Umahi Threatens Closure of Lagos‑Calabar Coastal Highway