Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has said that Section One of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway will be ready for inauguration by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in May 2026.
Umahi disclosed this at the weekend during an inspection of the project, stating that the pace of work reflects the Tinubu administration’s commitment to delivering critical infrastructure despite difficult terrain and environmental challenges.
He had earlier, during a similar inspection last week, said that the Aba–Port Harcourt Expressway would also be ready for inauguration by May.
Umahi said deep soil conditions, with excavation pits exceeding 20 metres in some sections, had posed serious engineering challenges but were being successfully handled by the contractor, HITECH Construction Company, at no additional cost to the Federal Government.
The minister, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Francis Nweze, revealed that the three-kilometre stretch currently under inspection is nearing completion, with sub-filling expected to be concluded within days.
Once opened, the road will allow uninterrupted movement from Ahmadu Bello Way through Lekki, with access extending toward the Dangote Refinery axis as work progresses on Section Two.
Umahi said consolidation tests scheduled for March would determine the final phase of concrete work in April, paving the way for commissioning by May 20.
He also disclosed that Section Two of the highway 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.
The minister condemned vandalism along the corridor, including the cutting of metal fences and dumping of refuse into manholes, warning that offenders would be prosecuted.
He further warned contractors holding Advance Payment Guarantees to return to site and resume work immediately, declaring that the era of abandoned federal projects was over.
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.
