Nigerians want dilapidated roads fixed ahead of coastal highway launch

By Maduka Nweke

As the federal government prepares to open a section of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway to ease vehicular traffic during the yuletide, many Nigerians feel that public interest is not being prioritised, as older roads remain neglected.

Speaking to Daily Sun, Bismarck Okorodudu, Managing Director of MarkDudu Construction Company, expressed concern over unsafe interstate roads. He cited the Benin Bypass, Benin–Sapele Road, Onitsha–Enugu Road, Enugu–Port Harcourt Road, and Ondo–Ogbomoso Road as examples of routes in urgent need of repair. According to him, the coastal road may benefit only a limited number of people during the yuletide, while older, heavily used roads continue to pose significant risks. He urged the government to prioritise the rehabilitation of existing roads before focusing on new projects.

Mrs. Lynda Asuquo, a mineral drinks dealer, argued that the government could handle both projects simultaneously, provided that the Ministry of Works and the Ministry of the Environment properly monitor the processes. She suggested engaging local contractors to rehabilitate old roads while continuing construction on the coastal highway, allowing both projects to progress concurrently.

Mr. Okwusogu Chinweuba, a spare parts dealer, criticised government decision-making, noting that officials often do not experience the daily challenges faced by road users. He argued that political priorities and short-term interventions often leave the public at a disadvantage, a pattern that continues across administrations.

Recently, the Federal Government confirmed that the first 47-kilometre segment of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway will open to traffic between December 12 and 17, 2025. The 750-kilometre highway, linking nine coastal states, is expected to boost trade, mobility, and regional connectivity in southern Nigeria.

Minister of Works, David Umahi, stated during an inspection tour that contractors are completing Section 1 (from channel 0 to channel 47), with full completion of Section 1 and half of Section 2 targeted for April 2026. He affirmed that the project must be completed under the president’s directive to allow public access by December.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Stella Okengwu, the Chief Executive Officer of Winhomes Global Services Limited, had alleged interference regarding a residential development along the highway.

However, Umahi clarified that the Federal High Court dismissed Winhomes’ suit for lack of jurisdiction, confirming that the company no longer holds any legal claim over the disputed land, thereby dispelling misinformation that could affect investor confidence.