The Federal Government has warned that the Lagos section of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway could be shut within two weeks if motorists and other road users fail to comply with safety regulations and ongoing problems along the route are not addressed.
The warning was issued on Monday by the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Olufemi Dare, during an inspection of the highway. Dare said the directive followed concerns raised by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, over persistent safety breaches, vandalism and other illegal activities along the road.
According to Dare, the coastal highway remains under construction and was not originally intended to carry regular traffic before the completion of major bridges. He said several bridges are still being constructed across the Lagos sections of the project.
The Lagos portion of the highway covers about 103 kilometres, divided into Section 1 of about 47 kilometres and Section 2 of about 56 kilometres. There are 20 major bridges across the two sections, with several still under construction.
Dare expressed concern over motorists driving at high speeds on the construction corridor. He said the speed limit on the road is 30 kilometres per hour but some motorists reportedly drive as fast as 120 kilometres per hour.
He warned that the government could no longer overlook the safety risks, saying lives were being lost on the highway frequently.
The Federal Controller also warned articulated vehicle operators against parking trucks and trailers along the highway. He said the government was also moving against illegal U-turns, with offenders liable to prosecution.
Other activities banned along the route include the use of Okada motorcycles and tricycles, hawking and animal grazing. Authorities are also expected to take action against shanties and other illegal structures along the highway.
Vandalism was identified as another major challenge. Dare said about five kilometres of ClearVu fencing had been removed, while approximately 18 kilometres of concrete covers had also been vandalised and taken away.
The government is considering replacing some of the steel fencing with concrete barriers in vulnerable areas. CCTV cameras are also being planned to strengthen surveillance along the route.
Dare further disclosed that the government had approved the recruitment of 40 coastal guards for the first section of the highway, with four expected to be selected from each community along the route. The guards are expected to work with the police to improve community-level surveillance.
Police deployment along the highway has also been increased following discussions between the Minister of Works and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani.
The Federal Government has therefore given motorists and other road users two weeks to improve compliance with safety rules. If the situation does not improve, the Lagos section of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway may be shut, with the Lekki-Epe Expressway identified as an alternative route.
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