FG threatens to shut Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway in two weeks

The Federal Government has threatened to close the Lagos portion of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway within two weeks if motorists and other road users do not address safety concerns. Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Olufemi Dare, made the announcement during an inspection tour of the highway. The warning comes after Minister of Works, David Umahi, directed the government to take action due to persistent safety breaches, vandalism, and illegal activities along the road.

Dare stated that if the issues are not resolved within two weeks, the government will have no choice but to shut down the route. He also mentioned an alternative route, the Lekki-Epe Expressway. The Lagos section of the coastal highway consists of two parts, spanning approximately 103 kilometers, with 20 major bridges, of which 10 are still under construction in each section.

Dare expressed concern over motorists driving at high speeds on the road, despite the speed limit of 30 kilometers per hour. He warned about lives being lost almost every day and promised increased police presence along the highway following meetings between Umahi and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani. The government has also taken steps to ban unauthorized vehicles, activities, and structures along the highway, including Okada motorcycles, tricycles, hawking, animal grazing, and illegal shanties.