Nkechinyere Ewa
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has assured that Section One of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway will be commissioned by May 2026.
Umahi gave the assurance on Saturday, February 21, 2026, during an inspection of the project, as the Federal Government intensifies work on the strategic coastal corridor designed to link Lagos to the South-South and South-East regions.
In a statement issued by Francis Nwaze, Senior Special Assistant to the Minister of Works (Media), the minister said the level of progress recorded demonstrates the resolve of the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to deliver transformative infrastructure despite challenging terrain and environmental conditions.
He revealed that deep soil conditions, with pits exceeding 20 metres in some locations, had stretched engineering limits but were being successfully managed.
“We have no doubt that a man who worked with a very courageous president to tame the Atlantic Ocean can always subdue the challenges we have on this coastal route,” Umahi said.
“From the data from HITECH, the pit here is about twenty metres deep averaging between 18 and 21 metres and at chainage 18, we had about 22 metres. HITECH conquered it.”
The minister praised HITECH Construction Company for its resilience, noting that unexpected soil discoveries were being handled at the contractor’s cost without any upward review of the project sum.
“No other contractor can bear this kind of risk. You have proven that you are not working for money, but for the success of the country,” he said.
Umahi further disclosed that the 3-kilometre stretch under inspection is nearing completion, with sub-filling expected to be concluded within days. Once opened, motorists will be able to drive seamlessly from Ahmadu Bello Way through Lekki, with access extending toward the Dangote Refinery axis as work progresses on Section Two.
“In the next seven days, the entire sub-filling will be done, and then the entire road will be open to traffic. So you can drive all the way from Ahmadu Bello down to Lekki without stopping,” he said.
However, he explained that consolidation tests would be conducted in March to determine whether concrete reinforcement — specifically Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) — can be laid in April to meet the May 20 commissioning target.
“If we have good consolidation by April, then we will put our CRCP within two weeks and then commission by the 20th May,” he added.
The minister condemned acts of vandalism along the corridor, particularly the cutting of metal fences and the dumping of refuse into manholes, warning that such actions endanger lives and critical infrastructure.
He commended security agencies for heightened vigilance and disclosed that a team of seven Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) has been engaged to handle litigation related to the project.
“Anyone that is caught should be charged to court immediately,” he warned.
Beyond the project, Umahi linked the steady pace of work to the broader reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that infrastructure delivery remains central to national development.
He expressed confidence in the administration’s economic direction, citing improved macroeconomic indicators.
“You can see all the indices for our macroeconomy: the stability of the naira, our foreign reserve at $49 billion, inflation down to about 15%. These are not magical,” he said.
He added that Section Two of the highway is expected to be delivered before the end of the year, while all bridges across both sections are projected for completion by April next year.
The minister also issued a strong warning to contractors who have collected Advance Payment Guarantees (APGs) without returning to site, declaring that such practices would no longer be tolerated.
“My directive is clear: anyone owing APG must return to site and use it for work. I will not pay certificates while you are holding government money for four or five years. That time is gone.”
The inspection was attended by senior presidential aides, including the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South West), Moremi Ojudu, and her South-East counterpart, Barrister Chioma Nweze.
Umahi reaffirmed his commitment to working with President Tinubu to deliver critical infrastructure nationwide.
“This is not about the president alone. It’s not about HITECH or the Ministry of Works. It’s about the development of Nigeria.”