By AWC Infrastructure Desk
In a milestone development for Nigeria’s transportation and economic infrastructure, the Federal Government has officially opened a portion of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway to motorists, marking a significant step toward the completion of one of Africa’s most ambitious road projects.
The 47-kilometre stretch — from Ahmadu Bello Way Junction to Eleko Village Junction in Lagos — was ceremonially opened on Friday, December 12, 2025, with government officials, traditional leaders, transport stakeholders and residents in attendance.
UMAHi: ‘A GAME CHANGER FOR NIGERIA’S MOBILITY’
At the elaborate ceremony, Engr. (Sen.) David Umahi, Nigeria’s Federal Minister of Works, described the partial opening as a fulfillment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to provide better road access and ease traffic pressures during the festive season.
Umahi emphasised that the opening will:
- Dramatically reduce travel time for motorists in the Lagos metropolitan area;
- Ease traffic congestion along the Lekki–Ajah corridor;
- Lessen transport costs for commercial and private commuters.
“This job must be completed,” the minister said, stressing that full commissioning of Section 1 and part of Section 2 — excluding major bridges — is set for April 2026.
STAKEHOLDERS PRAISE MILESTONE, ACKNOWLEDGE FUTURE BENEFITS
Traditional rulers and community leaders lauded the government’s commitment, noting that the opening will improve local business opportunities, stimulate commerce and foster closer ties between communities previously hindered by poor road options.
A household goods transporter in Lagos said the opened section will allow goods to move more quickly and with fewer breakdowns, potentially lowering the prices of transported items across the southern corridor.
Transport unions also welcomed the development, saying that enhanced connectivity will not only benefit road users in Lagos but also provide a reliable link to southeastern and southern markets once the highway is fully completed.
WHAT THE COASTAL HIGHWAY MEANS FOR NIGERIA
The Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway is designed to stretch across nine coastal states, connecting Lagos to Cross River and later passing through Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers and Akwa Ibom.
Planners say the project will deliver wide-ranging economic and social benefits, including:
Economic Integration:
The highway promises to reduce inter-state travel times, lower logistics costs and stimulate trade along Nigeria’s coastal belt — boosting local and national GDP.
Job Creation:
Large-scale construction activities continue to generate employment for thousands of skilled and unskilled workers across states.
Security & Access:
Improved roads enhance rapid security deployment and reinforce border community accessibility, particularly in regions historically plagued by congestion and rural isolation.
Tourism & Commerce:
Coastal centres and inland attractions will become more reachable, promoting development of tourism corridors and hospitality industries.
CHALLENGES AND NEXT STEPS
While the opening ceremony highlighted progress, stakeholders acknowledge the road still has technically demanding segments, including swamps and flood plains that require advanced engineering solutions. The minister has directed contractors to adopt around-the-clock work schedules in some areas to ensure the project remains on schedule.
Umahi also reiterated the government’s invitation to anti-corruption agencies to verify transparency and value in all aspects of coastal highway costs — a move aimed at bolstering public confidence.
LOOKING FORWARD
As Nigeria marks this landmark opening, the coastal highway stands as a symbol of national infrastructure renewal under the Renewed Hope Agenda. Its phased rollout is expected to continue in 2026 and beyond, linking major economic hubs and opening new chapters in the nation’s transportation history.
With this newly opened section easing traffic and improving connectivity today, full completion promises transformational impact for decades to come.
