The Federal Government has altered the path of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway to prevent damage to telecommunication companies’ subsea cables. The project, initially planned with 10 lanes, has been downsized to six lanes as a cost-saving measure. Minister of Works, David Umahi, announced these changes during a meeting with contractors in Abuja.
Umahi revealed that N10 billion has been disbursed as compensation to property owners affected by the demolition required for the 700km highway construction. He also stated that the first 47 kilometres of the project would be open to the public by May of the following year.
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Construction of the Lagos-Calabar highway began earlier this year, aiming to pass through nine states with two spurs leading to the northern states, utilizing concrete pavement. Umahi clarified that the project has not been halted, despite rumours, and that over four kilometres of concrete road on six lanes have already been completed.
Regarding the rerouting, Umahi explained, “We had to establish a new path due to complaints made by MTN on its subsea cable and Okuaja community.” The new alignment deviates from both the previous and gazetted alignments, reconnecting at kilometre 25.
Umahi highlighted the project’s investment potential, noting that within 10 years, the government expects to recover the cost through land acquisition for tourism, factories, and industries along the road. He also announced that Julius Berger is set to resume construction on the remaining section of the Abuja-Kano road after resolving challenges.
Addressing recent issues, Umahi assured that the flooded Kara bridge has been fixed and that CCTV installation on the bridge will be completed soon to enhance security.
