Minister of Works, David Umahi, says the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway will feature relief stations, solar-powered streetlights, and CCTV cameras to enhance safety and enable emergency responses within ten minutes.
Umahi made the announcement on Sunday while inspecting the Calabar–Itu Road and Sections 3A and 3B of the 71.4-kilometre segment of the 750-kilometre highway currently being built in Cross River State.
The highway is being constructed by HITECH Africa Construction Company Limited using continuously reinforced concrete pavement.
Speaking in Awi, Akamkpa LGA, Umahi praised HITECH for maintaining high standards, deploying modern machinery, and employing qualified workers, describing the company as a key partner in Nigeria’s infrastructure development.
He stated that the road will be equipped with critical features—including relief stations, solar lighting and CCTV installations—to improve travel safety and support security operations. He also commended President Bola Tinubu for championing a project he first envisioned over 27 years ago as Lagos State governor.
HITECH’s Managing Director, Dany Aboud, thanked the President and assured that more workers and equipment would be mobilised to ensure both sections are completed within the 36-month timeline.
Senator Mpigi Barinada, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, applauded the construction quality and highlighted the extensive earthworks required due to the swampy terrain, which he said justify the project’s magnitude and cost.
Alex Egbona, representing Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency, noted that Cross River residents were pleased with the pace of work, following past disappointments from other federal agencies, and pledged full support for the project’s completion.
Meanwhile, the Federal Controller of Works in Cross River, Yinka Onafuye, revealed that the Federal Government has disbursed N1 billion as compensation to affected persons, benefiting 700–1,000 individuals across 12 communities in Akamkpa and Odukpani LGAs.
Compensation payments are ongoing, he added, with farmlands and buildings already valued and beneficiaries receiving funds through their banks. The ministry is also assisting those without bank accounts to open new ones to enable payment processing.
