The Federal Government has confirmed that approximately 700 properties will be demolished to make way for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway—significantly fewer than the initial estimate of 1,500.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting, Lagos State Controller of Works, Mrs. Olukorede Kesha, emphasized that the most economical route was chosen to minimize impact on residents and businesses. “Instead of having to demolish about 1,500 houses, we took the most economical route. Now we are left with less than 700 houses to be demolished,” she stated.
Project Highlights
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Section 1 of the highway, spanning 47.4 kilometers, is already underway.
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The highway will feature a 12-meter rail corridor in the center, aimed at future rail development.
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It is designed to ease traffic congestion, especially around densely populated areas.
Flying Over Industry
To accommodate key infrastructure like the Dangote refinery and fertilizer plants, the Ministry of Works is constructing elevated flyovers with spans ranging from 22 to 60 meters. According to Minister of Works, David Umahi, these design features ensure uninterrupted industrial operations while advancing national development goals.
“We are not only building for today. We are also building for tomorrow,” Umahi said. “This road will revolutionize Nigeria’s transport landscape and generate carbon credits through eco-friendly construction.”
More Than Just a Road
Beyond Lagos, the project will expand through states like Cross River and Akwa Ibom, with new sections to be flagged off soon. It also ties into a broader network of legacy projects including:
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Sokoto-Badagry route, currently facing design challenges due to river crossings.
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A Calabar-Abuja corridor that connects multiple regions.
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An Abuja-Gombe route, passing through key northern states.
These interlinked projects aim to boost connectivity, enhance logistics, and open up new economic corridors across the country.
With fewer demolitions and major infrastructure in the works, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway marks a significant step toward modernizing Nigeria’s transport network. The government’s promise of thoughtful planning and future-ready design could set a new standard for large-scale development in the country.
