The Federal Government has unveiled plans to build an 80-metre bridge in front of the Dangote Refinery as part of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project.
This initiative aims to ease truck movement and minimize congestion around the refinery.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, made the announcement during a stakeholder meeting in Lagos, emphasizing that the bridge was designed to support efficient logistics and ensure smooth operations in the area. He explained that the route was carefully mapped to avoid disrupting existing infrastructure, including Navy land and a nearby school.
Umahi provided updates on Section 1 of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, revealing that 30 kilometres of the 47.47-kilometre stretch are expected to be completed by May 2025. Construction, handled by Hitech, commenced in March 2024, with significant progress already recorded.
However, challenges arose due to deep-seated topsoil accumulation from years of refuse dumping, requiring excavation up to 10 metres before stabilizing the ground.
The government temporarily halted work on affected areas to allow for settlement tests, which have now achieved full stability, paving the way for construction to resume. Umahi reassured stakeholders that the entire project would incorporate advanced features such as solar lights, additional interchanges, and designated points for water discharge. He also confirmed that compensation is ongoing for properties affected along the Right of Way.
At the meeting, the Lekki and Lagos Free Zone Companies raised concerns about their properties and requested further infrastructural enhancements, including extra flyovers and better access points. Umahi pledged to address their concerns promptly, urging them to leverage the government’s plans for sustainable infrastructure.
With the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway set to traverse nine states, the project is positioned as a key driver of economic growth. The highway will integrate renewable energy solutions, including wind turbines for clean power generation, helping Nigeria earn carbon credits and bolster its position in sustainable development. Additionally, the project will feature a rail service running along its length, spurring socio-economic investments in coastal communities.
Umahi commended Hitech Africa Construction Limited for its technical expertise, commitment to quality, and rapid execution of the project. He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s dedication to completing this transformative initiative, emphasizing its potential to reshape transportation, commerce, and infrastructure development across the country.
