The Federal Government has reassured Nigerians that the ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project is being built to advanced engineering standards, designed to endure flooding for the next 50 years.
Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, provided this assurance during a stakeholder engagement on Section 2 of the project, which took place on Sunday in Lagos. “We will ensure that the pavement level is designed to withstand climate change,” Umahi said, highlighting that the road will be elevated higher than the first floors of many nearby buildings.
To enhance the road’s durability, Umahi explained that retaining boards and cable ducts would be incorporated to prevent service providers from cutting into the road for installations. “No network provider, like MTN or African Plus, will need to cut the road. The cables are already in place,” he added.
The minister also shared plans to install Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras along the highway, with a promise of a response time of under five minutes for emergencies.
In terms of environmental sustainability, Umahi revealed that the highway will be constructed with concrete pavement, which not only reduces emissions but also earns carbon credits for Nigeria. “By using concrete pavement, we will reduce emissions and earn carbon credits,” he stated. Additionally, trees will be planted along the corridor, creating a green and scenic route.
Umahi further discussed major infrastructure projects around the highway, including a large flyover at the Dangote Refinery, featuring a 60-meter clearance for trucks and a 41.6-meter counterbalance span. “This will become another tourist attraction,” he noted.
Plans are also in place to build “relief centers” along the highway, offering fuel stations, supermarkets, snack bars, and medical facilities for travelers.
The minister praised stakeholders for their continued support and commended Hitech Construction Company, the project contractor, for its commitment to ensuring the timely completion of the highway.
