Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, has dismissed public concerns regarding water accumulation on sections of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, insisting that the situation does not indicate any structural defect and will be adequately addressed.
Umahi gave the assurance on Friday while inspecting Sections One and Two of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway alongside members of the National Assembly. The visit was aimed at evaluating the pace and quality of work on the flagship infrastructure project.
Responding to reports of flooding and potholes on parts of the highway, the minister explained that water observed along the road median was linked to provisions made in the design for a future railway corridor.
According to him, the central reservation was intentionally constructed to accommodate rail infrastructure.
“The median was designed to carry train tracks. The space is about 25 metres wide, almost equivalent to another dual carriageway. Excavation and sand-filling were carried out in that section in preparation for the rail component,” he said.
Umahi noted that while construction of the railway segment had not yet commenced, the ministry had already directed the contractor to install drainage channels within the median and connect them to the existing drainage network to prevent water retention.
He also acknowledged reports of water gathering in a few low-lying portions of the road alignment, stressing that corrective action would be taken.
“Wherever there are slight depressions, water may temporarily collect. I take responsibility for that, and we will fix it. There is no cause for alarm,” the minister stated.
Addressing speculation that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway could suffer delays or abandonment, Umahi maintained that the project remained firmly on track and had already achieved significant milestones within two years of construction.
He disclosed that Section One of the project, a 47-kilometre six-lane carriageway, had been completed ahead of schedule despite having a three-year contract duration.
According to him, Section Two, which spans 55 kilometres and also features six lanes, is expected to reach substantial completion by November.
The minister further revealed that work was progressing steadily on Sections Three and Four, which pass through parts of Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Ogun and Ondo states.
He explained that certain sections of the project had required redesigns due to difficult terrain, swampy environments and environmental protection requirements.
“Engineering is not static. As work progresses and we encounter challenging swampy terrain, adjustments become necessary. In some locations, international environmental standards prevent construction through protected forest areas, making route diversions unavoidable,” he said.
Umahi commended Hitech Construction Company, the contractor handling major portions of the project, for maintaining momentum despite payment delays.
He said the company had continued construction activities on some sections even when outstanding payments had not been fully settled.
“Hitech has shown remarkable commitment by continuing work despite delays in payment. That demonstrates genuine partnership in national development. There are very few companies capable of sustaining projects of this magnitude under such circumstances,” he said.
Beyond the coastal highway, the minister disclosed that construction activities were ongoing on other major infrastructure projects, including the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway and several strategic federal roads across Kebbi, Oyo, Gombe and Akwa Ibom states.
He reiterated the Federal Government’s determination to complete all four legacy road projects initiated under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
According to Umahi, none of the projects is expected to extend beyond 2031.
“All the legacy projects will be delivered by 2031. Nigerians should be assured that these projects will not be abandoned. We have reputable contractors such as Hitech, Infouest and CGC working with us to ensure successful delivery,” he said.
The minister urged Nigerians to continue supporting the administration, expressing confidence that ongoing investments in infrastructure would drive economic growth and improve connectivity across the country.
