By Steve Oko
The Federal Government has confirmed that Section One of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway will be ready for inauguration by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in the month of May 2026.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, gave the assurance during a weekend inspection of the project, describing the pace of work as proof of the Tinubu administration’s resolve to deliver transformative infrastructure despite difficult terrain and environmental challenges.
Recall that Umahi had also, during a similar inspection last week in Abia, assured that the Aba -Port Harcourt expressway would equally be ready for inauguration by May.
A statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Francis Nweze, said the progress recorded on the coastal corridor linking Lagos to the South-South and South-East underscored the government’s commitment to national development.
He revealed that deep soil conditions—requiring excavation pits exceeding 20 metres—had stretched engineering limits but were being successfully managed.
“We have no doubt that a man who once worked with a courageous president to tame the Atlantic Ocean can subdue the challenges on this coastal route,” Umahi said.
He explained that although the section under inspection is not the most difficult part of the alignment, soil data supplied by HITECH Construction Company showed pit depths averaging between 18 and 21 metres—similar to earlier problematic sections that were eventually stabilised.
Commending HITECH for its resilience, Umahi noted that unexpected soil challenges were being absorbed by the contractor at no extra cost to government.
“No other contractor can bear this level of risk. You have proven that you are not working for money, but for the success of the country.”
The Minister disclosed that the 3-kilometre stretch currently under inspection is nearing completion, with sub-filling expected to be concluded within days.
Once opened, motorists will enjoy uninterrupted travel from Ahmadu Bello Way through Lekki, with access extending toward the Dangote Refinery axis as work progresses on Section Two.
“In the next seven days, sub-filling will be completed and this entire section opened to traffic. By May, we want Section One commissioned.”
Umahi, however, cautioned that the final timeline depends on consolidation tests scheduled for March.
“If the results are satisfactory, concrete work will be completed in April, paving the way for commissioning by May 20”, he said.
The Minister decried the activities of vandals who cut metal fences along the corridor.
He also condemned the dumping of refuse into manholes, describing such acts as “dangerous and criminal.”
He praised security agencies for their vigilance and warned that offenders would face prosecution.
“Anyone caught vandalising this project will be charged to court immediately. We have a seven-man SAN team ready to handle all litigation related to this route.”
Beyond the highway, Umahi linked the steady progress to the broader reform agenda of the Tinubu administration, insisting that infrastructure delivery remains central to economic recovery.
“This is not about the president alone, or the Ministry of Works. It is about the development of Nigeria.”
He hinted that Section Two of the project is expected to be delivered before the end of the year, while all bridges across both sections are projected for completion by April next year.
Acknowledging criticism from some quarters, Umahi said the administration had defied expectations of failure.
“Some people thought we would fail. But when God brings you on board, no power can bring you down.”
He cited improving macroeconomic indicators—such as naira stability, rising foreign reserves, and easing inflation—as evidence of deliberate leadership and sound policy direction.
The minister also issued a stern warning to contractors misusing advance payments, declaring that the era of abandoned projects was over.
“Anyone holding Advance Payment Guarantees must return to site. I will not approve payments while government money is idle. That era is gone.”
Umahi reaffirmed his commitment to working with President Tinubu to deliver critical infrastructure nationwide.
“This is a national task. With discipline, resolve, and faith, we will retake our country.”
The inspection was attended by senior presidential aides, including the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, South-East, Barrister Chioma Nweze; and her South-West counterpart, Moremi Ojudu.
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