Progress is moving steadily along Nigeria’s ambitious Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. The federal government has already started compensating those whose properties are affected.
According to the Minister of Works, David Umahi, at least 700 individuals have received payments for structures impacted by the first phase of construction.
He shared this update during a stakeholder meeting at Eko Hotel in Lagos. Umahi also used the opportunity to address recent controversies surrounding the project.
The minister made it clear that the government has acted transparently and fairly. He responded to claims from an international investor who alleged her $250 million investment was threatened by the road project. Umahi explained that all affected owners were identified and paid compensation legally. He said the claims being circulated are simply not true.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is over 700 kilometers long. It is designed to reduce traffic on existing routes and improve movement across Nigeria. The project is part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and is expected to bring long-term development along the coastal region.
Umahi said the project is not just about roads. It is about safety, growth, and building smarter infrastructure for the future. He confirmed that the second phase of the project has already begun. Site clearing and dredging are underway. All construction follows the best environmental and engineering standards.
The highway will include key features like a central rail line and shoreline protection. These additions aim to make the road both modern and climate-resilient.
Umahi also acknowledged the sacrifices made by property owners along the route. He promised that the government will continue to engage with communities and developers. The goal is to protect as many properties as possible while still building an efficient and cost-effective road.
Community leaders at the meeting praised the government for its efforts. They urged officials to keep addressing issues such as drainage, dredging, and long-term road durability. Umahi assured them that the ministry is listening and working to meet those needs.
With bulldozers on site and new plans in motion, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is already making an impact. Hundreds of people have been compensated, and more will benefit from improved roads and new opportunities. This project is more than just construction. It represents what’s possible when progress is built on responsibility.
