The Federal Government of Nigeria has temporarily opened a 47-kilometer stretch of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway, specifically Section 1, which spans from the Ahmadu Bello Way junction to the Eleko village junction. This move is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s directive, as disclosed by the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, on Friday.
The temporary opening of this section of the highway is aimed at improving traffic flow and accessibility in Lagos, particularly during the festive period. This development is in fulfillment of a promise made by the government earlier. Minister Umahi, during an inspection tour of the coastal highway project on November 23, 2025, had assured that Section 1 would be completed and opened to traffic between December 12 and 17, 2025.
The partial reopening of the highway is expected to alleviate the traffic congestion experienced by commuters in the Lekki-Ajah corridor. It is anticipated that travel time will be reduced by over 100 percent, and travel costs will also decrease. The minister noted that the completion of Section 1 and half of Section 2, excluding the bridges, is slated for April 2026, paving the way for full commissioning.
The Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project is a significant infrastructure development aimed at enhancing connectivity and facilitating economic growth in the region. The temporary opening of Section 1 demonstrates the government’s commitment to delivering on its promises and improving the lives of citizens. As the project progresses, it is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy and contribute to the country’s overall development.
The minister’s announcement has been welcomed by commuters and residents in the area, who have been experiencing traffic congestion and prolonged travel times. The government’s efforts to address these issues are seen as a step in the right direction, and the completion of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project is eagerly anticipated. With the temporary opening of Section 1, the government has taken a significant step towards improving the transportation network in the region, and it is expected that the full completion of the project will bring even more benefits to the area.
