Phase one of Lagos-Calabar highway 70% complete, says Umahi

David Umahi, minister of works, says the first phase of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project is 70 percent complete.

The former Ebonyi governor added that the first phase of the highway will be completed by January 2026.

NAN reports that the minister spoke during the project inspection on Wednesday, alongside financiers from the Dutch Bank and the Development Bank of Southern Africa.

Umahi said the government had earlier projected that 20 kilometres of the road from Ahmadu Bello Way in Lagos would be completed by May.

“We are going to surpass the 20km from this site,” he said.

“Let me state that this project is over 70 percent done, and the contractor has not got funds up to 70 percent.

“That is why I call them people that have set their minds towards nation-building rather than making money.”

The works minister said plots of land along the route had been acquired for tourism, industrial development, housing estates and factory locations.

“These are the road architecture that you are going to receive on this highway,” he said.

“I assure you that by January next year, God willing, we have this road completed.”

Umahi said foreign financial partners were pleased with the pace, quality and technical structure of the work.

The minister also commended Hitech Construction Company, the contractor handling the project, for maintaining high standards.

“The road is exceptionally technically well-designed,” he said.

“The concrete thickness is designed for 275 millimetres but what they are doing is 280 millimetres.”

Umahi commended the bridge and roads department and Lagos controller, while warning against motorists accessing the superhighway directly from homes without proper entry points.

“It is going to be a very serious issue; so, we have to design a barrier,” he said.

“I know that you are putting a retaining wall but you have not incorporated a retaining wall all through.”

The minister added that the superhighway should be accessed only through designated flyovers and interchanges to prevent congestion.