FG Targets December Opening of Lagos–Calabar Highway Section as Focus Keyword Progress Deepens
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering a major milestone on the ambitious Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, announcing that the first completed stretch of 47 kilometres will officially open to motorists between December 12 and 17, 2025.
The disclosure was made by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, during an inspection tour of the corridor on Sunday, where he reiterated that the project was advancing according to revised timelines.
The Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway is one of the administration’s flagship infrastructure initiatives, designed to run for 750 kilometres and connect nine coastal states, boosting commerce, mobility, and national integration.
According to Umahi, the December opening is part of a broader directive from President Bola Tinubu, who has placed priority on fast-tracking the delivery of major infrastructure that supports economic expansion and regional connectivity.
Speaking during the tour, Umahi stressed that the government had secured strong collaboration with the project contractor and was working to ensure that the first section, spanning channel 0 to channel 47, is ready for public use without halting ongoing work.
“This job must be completed. We are here on the president’s directive, working for the people, to ensure that the carriageway is opened for public use by December. We have agreed with the contractor, and that is what we are assessing now,” he said.
He added that the ministry’s intention is to make the route accessible while construction continues toward channel 55.
By April next year, the minister expects the entire Section 1 and half of Section 2 to reach completion, with Section 2 bridges scheduled for commissioning under a separate contract arrangement. According to him, full delivery of these sections is targeted for April 2026.
Umahi, who described the progress as “a testament to the collective commitment of the government, technical experts and contractors,” said the project would mark a transformative chapter for Nigeria’s coastal corridor.
He also acknowledged the president’s support and praised the team’s resilience despite legal and public commentary surrounding the project.
Controversy Over Winhomes Claims Resurfaces as Court Strikes Out Suit
As progress continues on the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, the Works Minister used the inspection tour to address recent controversies surrounding a lawsuit filed by the Chief Executive Officer of Winhomes Global Services Limited, Stella Okengwu.
The suit, which accused the ministry of diverting the highway route into a supposed residential development in Okun Ajah, Lagos, was recently dismissed by the Federal High Court for lacking merit.
Umahi said public statements by Okengwu had created misconceptions about the project, including claims that the government’s construction activities had undermined investments purportedly worth $250 million.
However, according to him, what was advertised as a large-scale residential development was, in reality, only “a gatehouse structure with no further development on the land.”
He explained that filings made by Okengwu herself contradicted her media statements.
In the affidavits submitted to the court in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/1803/2024, Winhomes reportedly stated that the land in question had already been sold to third parties.
This admission formed the basis of the court’s decision, as it meant the firm no longer held proprietary interest in the land and therefore lacked the legal standing to challenge the project.
“The court of law has exposed her claims as mendacious and unfounded.
This goes to show she is no more than a troublemaker and false alarmist,” Umahi said, adding that misleading media commentary was capable of discouraging foreign investors and undermining national development efforts.
He urged members of the public to disregard online statements linked to Winhomes or its CEO, stressing that the federal government remained focused on accelerating the delivery of infrastructure that serves the country’s long-term economic goals.
A Strategic Milestone for Nigeria’s Coastal Development Vision
The anticipated December opening of the first 47 kilometres is expected to serve as a major boost to the Federal Government’s infrastructure expansion agenda.
The Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway is projected to improve traffic flow along the coastal belt, expand tourism opportunities, reduce transport time, and facilitate the movement of goods across multiple states.
Experts describe the project as one of Nigeria’s most transformative road corridors in decades.
Upon full completion, the highway is expected to enhance marine logistics, stimulate population growth along the route, support small and medium enterprises, and strengthen trade integration across the Gulf of Guinea.
The project has also been positioned as a catalyst for the Renewed Hope infrastructure blueprint, which aims to reduce bottlenecks in Nigeria’s transport system and build durable economic linkages across regions.
According to Umahi, delivering the project on schedule will mark a significant accomplishment for the administration and for the nation’s broader economic competitiveness.
Stakeholders Await December Opening With High Expectations
With less than a year to the targeted opening date, stakeholders in the transport, real estate, and logistics sectors are closely monitoring developments on the corridor.
Transport operators anticipate that the completed section will ease pressure on existing routes linking Lagos and neighbouring states.
Real estate developers are also paying particular attention, given the project’s potential to drive new settlement patterns and expand commercial clusters along the coastline.
For residents of the host communities, the upcoming road opening is expected to provide renewed access to markets and services, while also raising opportunities for employment and local business expansion.
Umahi’s assurance that the project’s progress remains firmly on track comes as welcome news to citizens who have followed the project’s evolution since its announcement.
As construction accelerates across multiple sections, analysts believe the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway could emerge as one of Nigeria’s most significant infrastructure achievements within the decade.
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