Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road: FG targets December for commencement of Sections 3, explains delay

The Federal Government has announced that construction on sections 3 and 3B of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road will commence by mid-December.

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, disclosed this during an inspection tour of the Lagos Calabar coastal road.

Umahi, who led members of the National Assembly on an on-site assessment of ongoing infrastructure projects in the southwest region, revealed that the delays on the southern corridor of the highway were initially caused by rerouting to avoid militant-controlled areas.

“Before the middle of December, we will flag off sections 3 and 3B because the design has been approved by President Bola Tinubu and we are ready.” Umahi stated.

He explained that the original design for these sections passed through a high-risk corridor with active militant presence, which posed significant threats to construction workers, prompting the need for a redesign.

He said: “Initially, we passed through a section where the militants are, so it was also a problem for the people. We saw the dangers and the Ministry subsequently opted for a safer alternative route, even though it involves challenging terrain with 30-meter-high rock formations that will require blasting. “But it is better to blast the rocks than to have the heads of our workers blasted off by militants.”

Umahi assured stakeholders that the project remained on course. Responding to concerns on the impact of the project on aquatic life, particularly in the Niger Delta region, Umahi assured stakeholders of the Ministry’s strict adherence to environmental guidelines to preserve the local ecosystem and minimise disruptions.

“The Ministry is fully compliant with the recommendations from the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) conducted along the entire project corridor.”

The Minister noted that while work was ongoing in segments in the Sokoto and Kebbi areas, other segments across multiple states are yet to commence due to funding constraints.

“This project is EPC+F. The commitment in terms of cash by the federal government is 30 per cent. The other 70 per cent has to be sourced through loans, which requires extensive planning and approval processes.”

On his part, the Chairman, House Committee on Works, Akin Alabi, passed a vote of confidence on the Minister.

He noted that lawmakers were satisfied with the progress of work so far.

“On behalf of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, we are impressed with the work and we are fully behind you. I want to crave the indulgence of the public to be patient and be cooperative. I can assure you that the project is well ahead of schedule,” he stated.

Earlier, during a prior visit to the Third Mainland Bridge, the Minister disclosed that the federal government is intensifying efforts to enhance the security of key infrastructure nationwide through advanced surveillance systems.

He noted that these state-of-the-art monitoring solutions, currently in place on the Third Mainland Bridge with a dedicated 24-hour control room, would soon be deployed across other major highways, including the Lagos-Calabar, Sokoto-Badagry, Trans-Sahara, Abuja-Akwanga, Joses-Bauchi-Gombe, Keffi-Makurdi, Lagos-Ibadan, and Abuja-Kano routes.

According to him, this initiative, in partnership with security agencies, aims to reduce response times and curb criminal activities on these critical road networks.

Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Peter Nwebonyi, extolled the minister’s initiative, describing it as a significant step forward for Nigeria.

“This system demonstrates our commitment to progress and development, enhancing the safety of both motorists and pedestrians,” he said, noting its role in deterring criminal activities and preventing vandalisation of critical infrastructure like handrails and streetlights.

Nwebonyi also commended the minister’s assertive approach in dealing with contractors, which he said ensures government interests are prioritised.

He called on road users to adhere to traffic laws and regulations to contribute to the overall safety and well-being of the nation.

Alabi lauded the Minister and assured him of parliamentary oversight.

He emphasised the role of the National Assembly in overseeing government spending, particularly regarding the 2024 budget.

The lawmaker commended the minister for his efforts in addressing infrastructure challenges and improving project execution.

He acknowledged the minister’s assertive approach in dealing with contractors, ensuring that government interests are prioritised.

He assured that, while supporting the minister’s initiatives, the House Committee on Works would maintain its oversight role to ensure accountability and transparency.