FG Lagos-Calabar Highway: Shutdown Threat Issued Over Safety Breaches

• The Federal Government has threatened to shut down the Lagos section of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway within two weeks.
• This ultimatum, issued by Olufemi Dare, is due to persistent safety breaches, vandalism, and illegal activities along the route.
• The highway remains under construction, with many of its 20 major bridges in Lagos still incomplete, and an alternative route is available.
• Motorists are exceeding a 30 km/h speed limit, leading to frequent fatalities, while illegal parking, U-turns, and banned activities like Okada operations are rampant.
• Increased police deployment and plans for more robust infrastructure like concrete barriers and CCTV are being implemented to enhance Nigeria road vandalism enforcement.

The Federal Government has issued a stark warning regarding the Lagos section of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, threatening a complete shutdown within two weeks if current safety breaches and illegal activities persist.

The Federal Government has issued a stark warning regarding the Lagos section of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, threatening a complete shutdown within two weeks if current safety breaches and illegal activities persist. This significant development stems from a directive by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, prompted by ongoing non-compliance with safety protocols, rampant vandalism, and various illicit operations along the crucial route. The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Olufemi Dare, conveyed this ultimatum to journalists during a recent inspection, emphasizing the government's resolve to ensure public safety and infrastructure integrity.

Dare highlighted that the highway, despite being partially opened to traffic, remains actively under construction, particularly concerning its numerous bridges. He noted that the Lagos segment alone spans approximately 103 kilometers, divided into two sections (Section 1 covering about 47km and Section 2 extending for roughly 56km), with 20 major bridges in total, many of which are still incomplete. The Controller underscored that the road should ideally not be fully operational until these critical structures are finalized, pointing to the Lekki-Epe Expressway as an available alternative for motorists should the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway closure become necessary.

A primary driver behind the potential FG Lagos-Calabar Highway shutdown threat is the alarming disregard for road safety regulations. Olufemi Dare expressed grave concern over motorists routinely exceeding the prescribed speed limit of 30 kilometers per hour in construction zones, with some drivers reaching speeds of up to 120 kilometers per hour. This reckless behavior has led to tragic consequences, with lives reportedly being lost on the highway almost daily, a situation the government deems unsustainable.

Beyond excessive speeding, a range of other infractions contributes to the hazardous conditions. Articulated vehicle operators have been warned against using the highway as an unauthorized parking area, with trucks and trailers frequently occupying sections of the road. Furthermore, authorities have explicitly banned several activities, including the operation of Okada motorcycles and tricycles, hawking, and animal grazing along the route. The creation of illegal U-turns is also a significant concern, with Dare stating that individuals caught engaging in this dangerous practice will face prosecution, underscoring the government's commitment to enforcing Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway regulations.

The integrity of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is further compromised by widespread vandalism of critical safety infrastructure. Olufemi Dare reported that protective fencing and other installations are being systematically removed, often under the cover of night. Specifically, approximately five kilometers of ClearVu fencing, designed to barricade communities from the highway, have been stolen, alongside about 18 kilometers of concrete covers that have been vandalized and carted away. This persistent destruction not only poses immediate safety risks but also significantly increases the cost and complexity of the ongoing construction.

In response to this challenge, the government is actively re-evaluating its security strategy. Officials are considering replacing the easily removable steel ClearVu fencing with more robust concrete barriers in vulnerable areas to deter vandals. This strategic shift aims to enhance the long-term resilience of the infrastructure. Additionally, efforts are underway for the deployment of CCTV cameras, which will provide enhanced surveillance and aid in the identification and apprehension of those responsible for the destruction, reinforcing Nigeria road vandalism enforcement.

In a decisive move to address the deteriorating conditions and enforce compliance, the Federal Government has initiated a significant increase in security presence along the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. This enhanced deployment of law enforcement personnel follows high-level meetings between Minister of Works David Umahi and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani, resulting in an agreement with the Lagos State Police Command. Olufemi Dare confirmed that improved police deployment has already commenced, with further increases anticipated.

This intensified enforcement effort signals a zero-tolerance approach to infractions. The threat of a Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway closure serves as a powerful deterrent, compelling motorists and other road users to adhere strictly to safety measures and operational guidelines. The government's directive, coupled with the Olufemi Dare road safety warning, underscores the critical need for immediate improvement in road user behavior and a halt to illegal activities, emphasizing that failure to comply will leave authorities with no alternative but to shut down the road to safeguard lives and protect public infrastructure.

Lawyers should advise clients operating businesses or transport services along the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway to immediately review their compliance with road safety regulations and operational permits. The Federal Government's threat of closure and increased enforcement signals heightened legal and operational risks, including potential prosecution for infractions and significant business disruption if the highway is shut down.

Source: Original reporting via The Punch