CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – The Federal Government has awarded contracts worth over ₦3 trillion for the construction of key sections of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, covering parts of Lagos, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River States.
This was disclosed by the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, in a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Media, Orji Uchenna Orji.
According to the statement, the highway project is being executed in phases, with three major sections already procured.
“People talk about the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. Yes, we procured Section I, which is ₦1.068 trillion; 30% has been paid,” Umahi said.
“We procured Section II, which is the flyovers of Section I and Section II, passing through Dangote Refinery and swampy terrain—about ₦1.6 trillion.
“We also procured Section III A and III B, which mark the end of the project in Akwa Ibom and Cross River, at about ₦1.33 trillion,” he added.
Breakdown of Contract Sums:
- Section I (Lagos): ₦1.068 trillion (30% disbursed)
- Section II (Dangote Refinery–Swamp Corridor): ₦1.6 trillion
- Sections III A & III B (Akwa Ibom–Cross River): ₦1.33 trillion
The Minister stressed that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is a strategic infrastructure initiative designed to improve connectivity, facilitate trade, and boost logistics across Nigeria’s coastal states.
While responding to public concerns over the scale of investment, Umahi clarified that the project meets national standards and is not targeted at a specific region.
He also cited significant infrastructure investments in northern Nigeria, pointing out that a 258-kilometre road in Kebbi State was awarded at ₦958 billion for one lane, with the second lane awaiting Federal Executive Council (FEC) approval. Once completed, total investment on the corridor could reach ₦2 trillion.
In Sokoto State, a 120-kilometre stretch has already been procured for ₦454 billion, with plans for a second carriageway that would bring the Kebbi–Sokoto corridor total to nearly ₦3 trillion. He noted that all these roads, like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, are being constructed using concrete pavement technology.
Update on Eleme–Onne Corridor
Addressing issues around the Eleme–Onne section of the East-West Road, Umahi said the 30-kilometre project—executed under a Tax Credit Scheme and valued at ₦156 billion—includes four flyovers, a bridge at Aleto, and a linkage to the Akwa Ibom axis.
He noted that one carriageway has been completed, and asphalt work is ongoing on flyover approaches to ensure smoother traffic during construction. The Minister commended RCC, the contractor handling the project, for significantly improving performance following earlier delays.
Umahi concluded that the Renewed Hope Legacy Road Projects are being implemented with a focus on equity and balance, revealing that 52% of funding and scope have gone to the North, while 48% have been allocated to the South, underlining the administration’s commitment to national development.
