Here’s some much-needed good news for Lagos commuters: the Federal Government has temporarily opened Section 1 of the highly anticipated Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, just in time for the festive season. But here's where it gets controversial—while this move promises to ease traffic woes, it also reignites debates about the project’s cost, toll fees, and the demolition of properties along the route. Let’s dive into the details.
Spanning 47 kilometers, Section 1 stretches from the Ahmadu Bello Way junction to Eleko village junction, offering a glimmer of hope for drivers in the notoriously congested Lekki-Ajah corridor. At the opening event, Minister of Works Dave Umahi declared this a fulfillment of the government’s promise to the people, emphasizing that the highway will significantly improve the driving experience for commuters. And this is the part most people miss—this is just the beginning of a massive 700-kilometer project set to connect nine coastal states, from Lagos to Cross River, passing through Edo, Delta, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Ondo, Bayelsa, and Ogun.
The project, approved by the Federal Executive Council in February 2024, kicked off in March and was officially flagged off by President Bola Tinubu in May. With a staggering cost of N4 billion per kilometer, it’s no surprise that the road has been mired in controversy. During an April 2024 appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, Umahi addressed the uproar over the contract award and cost, assuring the public that the project will be completed within eight years. However, the demolition of properties along the Lagos axis has sparked intense public debate, with the government defending the move as necessary for progress.
Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Is the high cost and disruption caused by this project justified by its potential long-term benefits? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments. Meanwhile, as Section 1 opens to traffic, commuters can look forward to smoother journeys—at least for now. But with toll fees set at an average of N3,000 per gate, as Umahi revealed, the road to relief may come at a price. Stay tuned as this mega project unfolds, and don’t forget to share your opinions below!
