The Nigerian government announces plans to build tolling stations and tourist centers along the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway to attract investors and boost the economy

The federal government of Nigeria is set to transform the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway into a hub for economic activity and tourism, with plans to establish tolling stations and construct tourist centers along the 700-kilometer stretch.

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Minister of Works, David Umahi, revealed these ambitious plans during a press briefing on Wednesday, following an inspection of the ongoing project.

The highway, projected to be completed within eight years, is expected to attract significant investment and enhance Nigeria’s position as a leading economy in Africa.

Umahi highlighted the comprehensive vision for the superhighway, which includes designated lands for tourism, industries, factories, and housing estates.

The project, estimated at over $12 billion, will also incorporate advanced features such as solar-powered lighting for nighttime visibility and enhanced security measures, including Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) and rest houses.

To ensure smooth traffic flow, the highway will feature flyovers and interchanges, preventing direct access from residential areas. “The greatest worry we have is people coming from their houses to join this route. It is going to be a very serious issue. So we have to design a barrier,” Umahi explained.

The minister also reassured Nigerians that the first 20 kilometers of the Coastal Highway, from Ahmadu Bello Way, are nearing completion and are on track for inauguration by President Bola Tinubu in May 2025. He stated that the project is over 70 percent complete, with the contractor having received 70 percent of the allocated funds.

Umahi emphasized the long-term vision for the project, stating that its lifespan is expected to exceed 100 years, with the capital investment recouped in approximately 20 years.

Dany Abboud, the managing director of HITECH, the construction company handling the project, affirmed the company’s commitment to meeting and exceeding the standards set by the federal government.

In related news, Minister Umahi issued a seven-day ultimatum for traders operating under the Iddo Bridge in Lagos to evacuate, citing severe safety concerns and structural damage caused by their activities.