The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced the temporary opening of the first phase of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, a move designed to relieve heavy traffic congestion in Lagos as the festive season unfolds.
On Friday, the Federal Ministry of Works opened Section One of the ambitious coastal highway project, a 47-kilometre stretch from Ahmadu Bello Way junction to Eleko Village junction on Lagos’ south-eastern seaboard. This partial opening was carried out under the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to improve road access and reduce travel times for the thousands of commuters expected to be on the roads during the Christmas and New Year period.
Speaking at the opening ceremony in Victoria Island, Minister of Works David Umahi reiterated that the development fulfilled a promise by the government to ease the often gruelling journeys between Lekki, Ajah and other key Lagos corridors. He said the initiative would offer significant relief to motorists who have long endured extended travel times and high transport costs due to congestion on existing road links.
Mr Umahi, who had previously inspected the highway construction in late November, confirmed that Section One was being opened ahead of full completion, which remains scheduled for later this festive season. Initial estimates suggest that the temporary opening could cut travel time and expenses dramatically for drivers and commuters making long trips through Lagos.
According to government plans, the full completion of the first section and part of the second is expected by April 2026, excluding the bridges that form part of the second contract package. The Ministry of Works stressed that ongoing construction and engineering work — including dredging and soil settlement monitoring in challenging terrain — will continue in the coming months as part of efforts to ensure the highway’s long-term durability and safety.
The Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway represents one of Nigeria’s most significant infrastructure undertakings in decades. Once finished, it will stretch across the nation’s southern coastline, improving connectivity between multiple states, enhancing trade and mobility. The partial opening is viewed as an important milestone in addressing chronic traffic issues within Lagos and demonstrating progress on one of the country’s largest road projects.
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