No more traffic! FG opens new highway section ahead of Christmas rush

The Federal Government on Friday temporarily opened the 47.47-kilometre Section One, Phase One of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, describing the project as a major breakthrough for national infrastructure development.

The Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, inaugurated the section on behalf of President Bola Tinubu during a ceremony in Lagos.

The 750-kilometre coastal highway begins at Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, and will pass through Ogun, Ondo, Delta and Bayelsa states before terminating in Cross River.

Umahi said the temporary opening marked the realisation of a 27-year-old vision, noting that President Tinubu had earlier commissioned part of the same section on May 26.

He explained that the road was built with reinforced concrete pavement, equipped with CCTV and other modern features, adding that it would enhance interstate travel, trade, job creation and economic growth across the southern corridor.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, commended President Tinubu for prioritising critical infrastructure.

He said the highway would significantly reduce travel time, link rural and urban markets, and improve access to key economic zones such as the Lekki Free Trade Zone.

“With improved connectivity and reduced travel time, businesses will operate more efficiently, and people will have more time to focus on their work. This will lead to increased productivity and economic growth,” Sanwo-Olu said.

He described the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway as one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects undertaken in Nigeria since independence.

The Oniru of Iruland, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, hailed the development as a landmark achievement, noting that the temporary opening would ease traffic pressure during the festive season.

“This is a welcome relief for commuters who have had to deal with pressure on other major roads. With this opening, the promise of a more convenient festive season is assured,” the monarch said.

He added that the Managing Director of Hitech Construction Company, Dany Abboud, assured that the entire 106-kilometre stretch covering Sections One and Two would be completed by December 2026.

Oba Lawal pledged continued cooperation with the Federal Government to ensure smooth execution of the project and commended Umahi and the project team for their dedication.