The Federal Government has announced plans to officially commence construction on the Cross River section of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, with the groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for next week.
This portion of the highway, referred to as Section B3, is part of a broader effort to link Nigeria’s coastal states through a major infrastructure project designed to boost economic integration, tourism, and transportation efficiency.
Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, disclosed the timeline during a stakeholder engagement meeting held in Lagos on Sunday. The meeting focused on Section Two of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, a project already generating national attention due to its economic significance and engineering complexity.
According to Umahi, after the April 14 flag-off in Cross River, the federal team will proceed to Akwa Ibom State on April 15 to initiate construction work there as well. “We are going to Cross River on the 14th to flag off the construction. By the 15th, we move to Akwa Ibom for another flag-off. This part of the highway is particularly challenging due to the terrain,” he said.
He explained that the 65-kilometre stretch in this section, when taking into account the dual carriageway structure of the road, amounts to 130 kilometres of construction through some of the most difficult terrain in the project.
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The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, which spans over 700 kilometres, is designed to connect several southern states, from Lagos in the southwest to Calabar in the southeast. Once completed, the highway is expected to significantly improve logistics, reduce travel time, and spur development along Nigeria’s coastline.
In addition to the coastal highway, Umahi spoke about another major infrastructure initiative—the Sokoto-Badagry Highway. He noted that one section of the highway in Sokoto is approximately 120 kilometres long, and discussions are ongoing to resolve logistical and financial challenges.
“The third section of the Sokoto-Badagry Highway will begin from Badagry, but we are facing a few technical hurdles, particularly the need to cross several rivers, one of which is about three kilometres wide. That alone will cost a significant amount,” Umahi said.
He also revealed that four engineering options have been proposed to address the river crossing challenge, and a final decision will be made after discussions with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. “Whatever option the President chooses is what we will implement,” he added.
Umahi gave firm assurances that once the President signs off on the proposed plans, procurement will begin immediately to avoid delays. The ministry is poised to fast-track the project to meet developmental goals and improve national infrastructure.
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