The Federal Government has announced a significant milestone for one of Nigeria's most ambitious infrastructure projects. Minister of Works David Umahi confirmed that the first 47-kilometer section of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway will become accessible to motorists in December 2025.
December Opening Timeline Confirmed
During a recent inspection tour of the construction site, Minister Umahi provided specific dates for the partial opening. The initial 47km stretch will be opened to public use between December 12 and 17, 2025, marking a crucial phase in the project's completion timeline.
The minister emphasized that while this section will be available for traffic, construction work will continue simultaneously on other parts of the massive 750-kilometer highway. This approach ensures that the public can begin benefiting from the infrastructure without delaying the overall project timeline.
Project Phasing and Future Completion Dates
Looking beyond the December opening, Minister Umahi outlined additional milestones for the coastal highway. Section 1 and part of Section 2 are scheduled for full commissioning by April 2026, though bridges within Section 2 will require additional time beyond this date.
The minister clarified the government's phased approach, stating that both authorities and contractors are working diligently to meet these deadlines. The project, which connects nine coastal states, represents one of the most significant infrastructure investments in recent Nigerian history.
Legal Challenge Resolved in Government's Favor
A potential obstacle to the project's progress has been removed through recent court proceedings. The Federal High Court dismissed a lawsuit filed by Winhomes Global Services Limited that sought to challenge the project's use of land allegedly belonging to the company.
Minister Umahi explained that the court determined Winhomes lacked legal standing to bring the case, as documentation revealed the company had previously sold the property in question. This ruling eliminates a significant legal hurdle that could have delayed the highway's construction timeline.
The minister used this opportunity to address public discourse surrounding the project, urging Nigerians to disregard what he characterized as misleading narratives circulating online about the coastal highway initiative.
Project Context and Economic Significance
The Lagos-Calabar coastal highway represents a cornerstone of the Federal Government's infrastructure development strategy. Designed to enhance connectivity along Nigeria's Atlantic coastline, the project aims to stimulate economic activities across multiple sectors in the nine beneficiary states.
Since construction commenced in March 2024, the project has generated considerable public discussion. While some prominent Nigerians, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, questioned the project's timing amid economic challenges, others like Professor Wole Soyinka have highlighted its potential economic benefits.
The project has also faced scrutiny due to property demolitions along the route and its substantial budget, estimated to exceed N15 trillion. Despite these controversies, the government has maintained its commitment to completing what it describes as a transformative infrastructure investment.
Funding Structure and International Support
The massive project has attracted significant international financial backing. The Federal Government secured a $747 million loan facility from a consortium of financial institutions led by Deutsche Bank.
Additional funding partners include First Abu Dhabi Bank, African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), Abu Dhabi Exports Office, ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), and Zenith Bank. Specifically, EBID has approved $100 million in funding dedicated to the Lagos-Calabar highway project.
This international financial support underscores the project's perceived importance not only for Nigeria's development but for regional economic integration along West Africa's coastline.
As the December opening approaches, all stakeholders will be monitoring progress on this landmark infrastructure project that promises to reshape transportation and economic dynamics across Nigeria's coastal regions.
