Federal Government Confident in Timely Delivery of Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway
The Federal Government has reiterated its confidence in the timely completion of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway in Cross River State, highlighting steady progress and adherence to quality standards by the contractor, HITECH Construction Company. Assistant Chief Engineer with the Federal Ministry of Works and Supervisor for Section 3B of the project, Itam Patrick, provided an update on the construction efforts.
Significant Progress Reported in First Year
Patrick noted that approximately 4.5 kilometres of rigid pavement have been completed within the initial year of construction. The project, which was awarded in February of the previous year, has a scheduled completion timeline of 36 months. It is being executed using Continuous Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP), a durable concrete road technology designed for longevity and resilience.
Ministry engineers are actively supervising the project to ensure full compliance with all technical specifications, and Patrick emphasized that the quality of work conducted so far meets the required standards. He also commended the contractor for following local content directives, revealing that about 80 percent of the workforce comprises indigenes from the host communities, thereby supporting local employment and economic development.
Transparency Concerns Raised by Civic Group
Meanwhile, the civic group Tracka has raised fresh concerns regarding transparency and accountability in the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project. More than a month after submitting a Freedom of Information request, the group has not received a response from the Ministry of Works.
In a letter dated February 19, 2026, and addressed to the Minister of Works, David Umahi, Tracka—an initiative of the BudgIT Foundation—requested detailed information under the Freedom of Information Act, 2011. The request, which was acknowledged by the ministry on March 2, 2026, sought clarity on several critical aspects of the project.
- Justification for any selective or direct contracting methods used in the procurement process.
- Copies of approvals, bid documents, and evaluation reports related to the project.
- Identities and ownership structures of contractors and subcontractors involved.
- Full disclosure of the total project cost and its detailed breakdown.
- Information on funding sources, environmental and social impact assessments, and compensation arrangements for affected communities.
- Implementation timelines and safeguards against cost overruns or conflicts of interest.
As of mid-April 2026, Tracka reported that it had not received any response to its inquiries, raising questions about the project's transparency and accountability measures.
Balancing Progress with Public Accountability
The Federal Government's confidence in the timely completion of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is bolstered by the reported progress and quality adherence. However, the unresolved transparency concerns highlighted by Tracka underscore the importance of maintaining open communication and accountability in large-scale infrastructure projects. Ensuring that all stakeholders, including civic groups and the public, have access to relevant information is crucial for fostering trust and ensuring the project's success.
