The Federal Government has expressed confidence that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway will be resilient against flooding for at least 50 years. This assurance comes as the project continues to advance, with significant engineering challenges being addressed to ensure its durability and sustainability. Minister of Works, David Umahi, has highlighted the project’s design features, including its elevated structure above ocean flood levels, which will help mitigate the impact of coastal erosion and flooding.
The 750km highway, one of President Bola Tinubu’s flagship projects, is designed to connect Lagos to Calabar, passing through key southern states like Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom. The project includes a rail line and is expected to revolutionize transportation and boost economic growth in the region. Despite its ambitious scope, concerns have been raised about environmental and social impacts, including the displacement of communities and potential threats to biodiversity hotspots.
Umahi has emphasized the project’s engineering feats, noting that the road’s elevation has required the construction of retaining walls to protect adjacent buildings. The first phase of the project is set to be completed by May 2025, with a 30km section ready for commissioning by President Tinubu on May 25. However, the project’s exclusion from the 2025 budget has raised concerns about funding continuity and potential delays.
The Federal Government remains optimistic about the project’s long-term benefits, including improved connectivity and economic development across Nigeria’s southern regions. Despite challenges, the government is committed to ensuring that the highway not only withstands environmental pressures but also serves as a model for sustainable infrastructure development in Africa.
