The Federal Ministry of Works has launched the Coastal Highway Guards to strengthen security and protect critical infrastructure along the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.

The initiative, launched on Sunday by the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, began with the deployment of 40 officers who will maintain a visible presence along the highway and work with security agencies in the state.

The guards are expected to report suspicious activities, monitor and report vandalism, and help prevent activities considered detrimental to the safety and smooth use of the highway.

Their responsibilities will also include restricting hawking, loitering, the use of commercial motorcycles (Okada) and tricycles (Keke) on the highway.

The team is led by retired General Adekunle Shodunke and will operate in conjunction with relevant security agencies to ensure effective monitoring and protection of the road infrastructure.

Umahi said the initiative was not an empowerment programme but a full-time employment scheme designed to protect national assets.

He said the initiative was also in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government’s commitment to safeguarding critical infrastructure.

The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is one of the Federal Government’s major infrastructure projects, stretching across several coastal states and intended to improve connectivity and stimulate economic activities along the nation’s coastline.