The Federal Government has rerouted the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway to protect subsea cables owned by telecommunication companies. Additionally, the project’s scope has been reduced from 10 lanes to six as a cost-saving measure.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, announced these changes during a meeting with contractors on Tuesday in Abuja. He also revealed that the government has disbursed N10 billion in compensation to property owners affected by the construction of the 700km highway. The first 47 kilometers of the project are expected to be open to the public by May next year.
Construction of the Lagos-Calabar highway, which will span nine states with extensions to the northern states, began earlier this year using concrete pavement.
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A committee was established to review, assess, and compensate landowners affected by the project. On May 1st, the government started paying N2.75 billion in compensation to affected property owners.
The first section will run from Eko Atlantic to the Lekki deep sea port. Umahi stated, “For the three legacy projects by the administration, the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway, we have reduced the project size to six lanes from sections two, three, and four.
Contrary to some reports, the project has not been stopped. Over four kilometers of concrete road have been completed on six lanes.”
Umahi explained the need for a new path due to MTN’s subsea cable and Okuaja community concerns, resulting in a reroute that eventually reconnects at kilometer 25.
The total compensation of nearly N10 billion has been paid, and the contractor has been commended for their work.
“These projects are investments with returns. By May 29, 2025, section one of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway will be completed. The road will also promote tourism, factories, and industries, allowing us to recover the cost within 10 years,” Umahi added.
Sections three and four are finalised, with stakeholder engagement planned in Cross River or Akwa Ibom to ensure procurement. Despite financial challenges, including inheriting over 2,600 projects valued at N15 trillion and initiating 330 emergency projects worth N260 billion, over 80 percent have been completed.
Umahi also mentioned that contractors will no longer determine project costs through excessive price variations. Julius Berger is expected to resume work on the Abuja-Kano section after resolving challenges.
Regarding the recently flooded Kara bridge, the issue has been resolved, and CCTV installation will be completed soon to monitor the bridge, ensuring a rapid response from security agencies.
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