Despite its high-profile commissioning by President Tinubu on May 31, 2025, the first section of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is still under construction and not fully open to the public, drawing further criticism for its cost and contract awards
Euphoria surrounding the commissioning of the 30-kilometre Section 1, Phase 1 of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway by President Bola Tinubu on Saturday, May 31, 2025, is quickly dissipating as the road remains largely inaccessible to motorists.
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Despite the elaborate ceremony, “work is still on-going from the Dangote Refinery end and at some points at Eko Ekate,” according to an anonymous site worker.
The worker explained that the road is blocked primarily for safety reasons. “It will be difficult to control traffic, and some motorists run at high speed even when they are approaching our construction site,” the source revealed.
“Some portions of the road have not been completed, especially the area where we have a bridge. Those areas are motorable but we are mindful of our workers on site.”
The road was reportedly opened for a brief period on Sunday, May 26, 2025, between 9 am and 1 pm, allowing some limited passage.
A BusinessDay reporter on Sunday observed only motorcycle dispatch riders plying the road.
The early commissioning of the highway has baffled many, including the anonymous worker, who queried, “Why the rush? Maybe somebody just wanted to shine. Why not wait till everything is done?”
However, the worker assured that the section would be fully open before the end of this month, noting the use of concrete pavement speeds up construction and enhances durability.
The 750km federal government project, designed as a six-lane carriageway within a 60-metre corridor, passes through nine coastal states.
From its inception, the highway has been plagued by controversies, ranging from its colossal estimated cost of N15 trillion, the alleged lack of an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), and the absence of open bidding for its contract award.
Why the rush? Maybe somebody just wanted to shine. Why not wait till everything is done?
Concerns have also been raised about the speed of its execution, the federal government’s intense interest in the project, and its defiance of ongoing court cases.
Nigeria’s Minister for Works, David Umahi, whose ministry is executing the project, disclosed late last year that there were about six court cases against the project, but affirmed they would not be deterred.
Adding to the complexities, a faction of the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, recently called on the National Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against President Bola Tinubu.
They allege a conflict of interest in the contract award for the coastal highway, citing President Tinubu’s public declaration at the inauguration that the contractor, Gilbert Chagoury, was his “partner.”
President Tinubu had praised the Chagoury-led Hitech Construction Company for its work, describing the highway as a ‘symbol of courage and commitment.’
Despite the current inaccessibility, Minister Umahi had assured in March that Phase One of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway would be completed by January 2026.
“I assure you that by January next year, God willing, we have this road completed,” the minister stated, adding, “The road is exceptionally technically well-designed. The concrete thickness is designed for 275 millimetres but what they are doing is 280 millimetres.”
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The ongoing Coastal Highway Controversy underscores significant public scrutiny over large-scale infrastructure projects.
