The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has assured that Section One of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway will be ready for commissioning by May.
He gave the assurance on Saturday, February 21, 2026, during an inspection of the project, as the Federal Government ramps up efforts on the strategic coastal corridor linking Lagos to the South-South and South-East regions.
Umahi said the level of progress recorded demonstrates the resolve of the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to deliver transformative infrastructure despite difficult terrain and environmental conditions.
He explained that deep soil challenges, with pits exceeding 20 metres in some locations, had stretched engineering capacity but were being effectively managed. The details were contained in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Francis Nwaze.
“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.
“Well, the section where we are is not the most challenging section of this route. This is section one, chainage 34. What we are seeing here is not different from what we saw in chainage 18. From the data from HITECH, the pit here is twenty meters deep, an average of 18 to 21 meters deep here and at chainage 18, we had about 22 meters deep of pit, and so HITECH conquered it. “
The minister commended HITECH Construction Company for absorbing the risks associated with unexpected soil discoveries without seeking an upward review of the project cost.
“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 disclosed that the 3-kilometre stretch under inspection is close to completion, with sub-filling expected to be finalised within seven days. Once opened, motorists will be able to travel seamlessly from Ahmadu Bello Way through Lekki, extending toward the Dangote Refinery axis as Section Two advances.
“So this section which is about 3km , I’ve been told that 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.
“And of course, section two, you can go much ahead of that, even up to Dangote Refinery. And so the deal is that by May, we want to have section one commissioned, but we have an issue. And the issue is, can I take the risk of saying to HITECH, this three kilometer that is a big issue? Because at chainage 18, we had to expose that section to rain for 6 months. And so using lumps, using one-inch stone base and sharp sand, we were able to consolidate that place within six months.
“But this one is not passing through the rainy season, and so I now have a choice to say, you must put the concrete before the end of April, and that will be my risk but I won’t bear that because we can’t open this project to increase the cost.
“So what we are doing is, by the month of March, we will now do our consolidation test and see what it looks like. And by the month of April, if we have good consolidation, then we will put our CRCP within two weeks and then commission by the 20th May.”
Umahi also condemned acts of vandalism along the corridor, including the cutting of metal fences and dumping refuse into manholes, describing them as dangerous and unacceptable. He praised the Nigeria Police Force for heightened vigilance and warned that offenders would face prosecution.
“And to address the issue of vandalization, the issue of cutting our beautiful metal fence, the issue of opening the manholes and dumping refuse there, I thank the Commissioner of Police, I thank the Inspector General of Police, I thank your commitment. I’ve seen a number of vehicles. Anyone that is caught should be charged to court immediately. We have our seven-man SAN that will take up any litigation about this route.
“And for the manhole, we have to find a way of temporarily seal it so that they can’t easily open it. But we have a duty to talk to our people. It is satanic for people to cut the metal fence. It is satanic for people to open the manhole and dump refuse there.”
Beyond the highway project, the minister linked the steady pace of work to the broader reform agenda of the Tinubu administration, stressing that infrastructure development remains central to national growth.
“This is not about the president alone. It’s not about HITECH or the Ministry of Works. It’s about the development of Nigeria.”
He hinted that Section Two could also be delivered before year-end, while bridges across both sections are projected for completion by April next year.
Acknowledging critics, Umahi said some had expected the project and the administration to fail.
“Some people are not happy because they thought we were going to fail. They thought the president would fail. But when God brings you on board, there’s no power that can bring you down.”
He added that the president remains committed to national renewal, citing macroeconomic indicators as signs of progress.
“This president has eight years to retake our country. And so those who are not happy should go and complain to God… you can see all the indices for our macroeconomy: the stability of the naira, our foreign reserve at $49b, inflation down to about 15%. These are not magical.”
According to him, such outcomes reflect what he described as divine backing for the administration.
“They are evidence of the hand of God upon the president… So let’s try to be happy and join hands to support the president and support the works of God through him.”
Umahi also issued a warning to contractors who have collected Advance Payment Guarantees without returning to site, stating 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.”
He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to delivering critical infrastructure nationwide alongside the president.
“Our fight will continue alongside Mr. President until we retake our country. This is a task God sent us to do, and with the president, we can.”
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.
