As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu prepares to commission a completed 30-kilometre stretch of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway on May 25, 2025, the House of Representatives Committee on Works, chaired by Hon. Akin Alabi, has announced plans to conduct an oversight inspection to ensure the project’s readiness.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is a significant infrastructure project aimed at enhancing connectivity between Lagos and Calabar, traversing several states along Nigeria’s coastline. The first phase of the project, covering 47.47 kilometers from Victoria Island to the Lekki Deep Seaport, is currently underway. Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has confirmed that 30 kilometers of this section will be ready for commissioning by May 25, 2025.
Speaking on the planned oversight, Hon. Akin Alabi said:
“As a Committee, it is our constitutional responsibility to ensure that all federal infrastructure projects are executed in accordance with the highest standards of quality, transparency, and accountability. The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is a significant investment by the Nigerian people, and we must do our due diligence before its commissioning.”
Hon. Akin Alabi emphasized the importance of the oversight function, stating that the committee’s visit aims to verify that all aspects of the project meet the required standards before the official commissioning. He noted that such inspections are crucial for accountability and ensuring that public funds are utilized effectively.
The committee’s inspection
will focus on assessing the quality of construction, adherence to project timelines, and the implementation of safety measures. This proactive approach aligns with the government’s commitment to transparency and delivering high-quality infrastructure projects that meet international standards.
“Our visit is not just a routine check,” Hon. Alabi added. “We want to ensure that when Mr. President arrives to commission this road, he is doing so on a stretch that reflects value for money, durability, and safety for all users. This is about performance and project delivery.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project has been subject to public scrutiny, with discussions around its cost and execution. The oversight visit by the House Committee on Works is expected to provide clarity and reinforce public confidence in the project’s integrity and the government’s dedication to infrastructural development.
As the commissioning date approaches, stakeholders await the completion of this phase of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. The project is expected to enhance connectivity along Nigeria’s southern corridor and potentially contribute to economic development in the region.