The Federal Government has announced that the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway will integrate advanced safety features, including relief stations, solar-powered lighting, and CCTV cameras, designed to ensure travel safety and facilitate emergency responses within a swift ten-minute window.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, disclosed the plans on Sunday during an inspection tour of the highway’s ongoing construction in Cross River State.
Focus on Safety and Security
Minister Umahi inspected the 71.4-kilometre stretch covering Sections 3A and 3B of the 750-kilometre highway, which is being constructed by HITECH Africa Construction Company Limited using continuously reinforced concrete pavement.
Speaking in Awi, Akamkpa Local Government Area, the Minister praised President Bola Tinubu for championing the ambitious project and outlined the safety enhancements.
“The highway will include essential facilities such as relief stations, solar lighting, and CCTV cameras at strategic points to improve travel safety and support security agencies,” Umahi stated.
He also commended HITECH for deploying modern equipment and maintaining high construction standards, describing the firm as a key partner in Nigeria’s infrastructural progress. Managing Director of HITECH, Dany Aboud, assured the Minister that additional resources would be deployed to deliver both segments within the 36-month contract period.
Compensation and Local Support
The inspection also provided an update on the financial commitment to affected communities.
Yinka Onafuye, the Federal Controller of Works in Cross River, disclosed that the Federal Government has already paid N1 billion in compensation to between 700 and 1,000 people from 12 communities in Akamkpa and Odukpani Local Government Areas.
“Payment of compensation is ongoing. Farmlands and buildings affected by the project have been valued, and beneficiaries have started receiving payments through the banks,” Onafuye said.
Meanwhile, Senator Mpigi Barinada, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, lauded the quality of the construction, emphasizing that the extensive earthworks required due to the swampy terrain justified the project’s scale and cost. Alex Egbona, representing Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency, affirmed strong local support, citing the community’s relief after previous disappointments with federal agencies.
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