Closure of Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Looms Over Continued Safety Violations – Umahi
Motorists and other road users on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway may face a major disruption if persistent safety violations, illegal activities and indiscriminate parking along the route continue, with the Federal Government warning that the highway could be closed within two weeks.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, issued the warning during a briefing on the highway, expressing concern that activities ranging from overspeeding and illegal U-turns to vandalism, roadside trading and indiscriminate parking were putting lives at risk.
For motorists who use the coastal highway daily, the warning comes amid growing concerns over how construction activities, heavy traffic and unsafe driving practices could turn parts of the emerging route into danger zones.
Represented by the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Olufemi Dare, Umahi said lives had already been lost on the highway as a result of overspeeding and other traffic violations.
He stressed that motorists must reduce their speed to 30 kilometres per hour on sections where construction work is ongoing, particularly around bridges and other active construction zones.
The Minister also announced a ban on the parking of trucks and articulated vehicles along the coastal highway, warning that vehicles found parked on the route would be clamped and towed away.
Illegal U-turns, commercial motorcycles, tricycles, roadside hawking and the grazing of animals were also prohibited along the highway.
Umahi further directed illegal occupants and operators of shanties along the route to vacate the area, as authorities move to create a safer environment for motorists, pedestrians, construction workers and surrounding communities.
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, pledged massive deployment of personnel to support enforcement and prevent activities capable of endangering lives along the highway.
The security concerns extend beyond traffic violations.
According to Umahi, about five kilometres of clear-view fencing and 18 kilometres of manhole covers installed along the project have reportedly been vandalised and removed.
The Federal Government is considering replacing some of the steel clear-view fencing with blockwork in vulnerable areas, while CCTV cameras are also being considered to strengthen surveillance and deter further vandalism.
The Minister also disclosed that 40 coastal guards had been approved for the first section of the highway. The guards are expected to work with the police and host communities to improve security and monitor activities along the route.
For communities and businesses located around the highway, the enforcement measures could mean changes to how people trade, park, move goods and access parts of the corridor.
But the Federal Government says the priority is protecting lives and safeguarding a major infrastructure project that is still under construction.
Umahi therefore urged motorists, residents, truck operators, traders and other road users to comply with the new directives, warning that enforcement would be intensified in the coming weeks.
With the two-week deadline approaching, attention will now turn to whether road users and operators comply—or whether the government follows through with its threat to close sections of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
Suggested photo: A wide shot showing motorists/trucks on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, preferably with construction activity or safety signage visible.
