Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, has said the reinforced concrete pavement being deployed on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is designed to last between 50 and 100 years with minimal maintenance.

Umahi said the technology forms part of the Federal Government’s strategy to construct roads capable of handling heavy traffic while reducing the need for frequent reconstruction.

“We are talking of 50 to 100-year guarantee for reinforced concrete pavement, with low maintenance,” the minister said.

According to him, the durability of the pavement is particularly important for major economic corridors expected to carry heavy commercial traffic.

55km Coastal Highway Section Nears Concrete Pavement Completion

Umahi disclosed that construction work on the 55-kilometre Section Two of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is progressing, with the concrete pavement expected to be completed in November.

He, however, said some bridges and flyovers would require additional time because of engineering challenges around the Dangote Refinery and Lekki Deep Sea Port corridors.

The minister explained that the structures must be designed to accommodate heavy-duty trucks while also taking the soil conditions in the area into consideration.

Government Plans Drainage Works

Umahi also disclosed plans to address drainage concerns along the completed section of the highway.

He said service lanes and drainage channels were being incorporated to improve the evacuation of floodwater from the coastal corridor.

“We are creating five-foot drainage channels on both sides, and culverts will cross the coastal highway to connect to Lagos State drainage channels that lead to the lagoon,” he said.

The minister maintained that the highway was designed to withstand the environmental and traffic pressures associated with the coastal corridor.

The Federal Ministry of Finance has similarly stated that the highway is being constructed with continuously reinforced concrete pavement designed for a minimum lifespan of 50 years with minimal maintenance.

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The Federal Government has officially handed over the construction of a new Carter Bridge in Lagos to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) as part of efforts to strengthen critical infrastructure and improve public safety.

The handover ceremony took place at Carter Bridge on Lagos Island, according to a statement issued in Abuja by the spokesperson to the Minister of Works, Francis Nwaze.

Umahi Explains Need For New Bridge

Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, said the decision to reconstruct the bridge followed years of structural investigations that revealed serious defects beneath both Carter Bridge and the 3rd Mainland Bridge.

According to Umahi, underwater investigations into the structural integrity of the bridges first began in 2013, with another assessment conducted in 2019.

“The past administration commissioned an investigation of what was happening with the structural elements below the water, and that was in 2013. And the very disturbing defects were noticed in Carter Bridge and 3rd Mainland Bridge,” Umahi said.

Investigations Revealed Structural Defects

The minister explained that after the current administration assumed office, additional underwater investigations were carried out involving geologists and specialist divers.

The findings reportedly confirmed that some of the bridge piles had shifted from their pile caps, raising concerns about the long-term stability of the structures.

Umahi disclosed that the Federal Government subsequently engaged local and foreign bridge experts, stakeholders, and members of the National Assembly to determine the best engineering solution.

FG Chooses Reconstruction Over Repairs

According to the minister, experts advised that repairing the Carter Bridge would cost nearly twice the amount required to build a completely new bridge.

Following technical reviews and consultations, the Federal Government approved the construction of a modern replacement bridge to ensure safety and durability.

The project forms part of the Tinubu administration’s infrastructure renewal agenda aimed at protecting critical national assets and improving transportation networks across the country.

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The Federal Government has said the 7th Axial Road project in Lagos will serve as a major evacuation corridor for cargo and significantly ease congestion at the Lekki Deep Sea Port and the Dangote Refinery upon completion.

Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, disclosed this during an inspection tour of ongoing construction works along the Lekki corridor, describing the road as a strategic infrastructure project designed to unlock economic growth and strengthen national logistics mobility.

According to the minister, the 7th Axial Road, located behind the Dangote Refinery, will function as a dedicated cargo evacuation route linking the Lekki industrial hub to the Sagamu corridor and other parts of the country. He said the project is central to reducing pressure on existing road networks while supporting seamless operations at the Lekki Deep Sea Port.

Strategic Economic Importance

Umahi stressed that the road, once completed, will not only ease port congestion but also deliver long-term economic benefits to Lagos State and Nigeria at large. He explained that the corridor will enhance the movement of goods, strengthen supply chains, and improve connectivity between key industrial zones.

“The 7th Axial Road is critical to the success of port operations and industrial expansion within the Lekki axis,” the minister said, noting that it complements other major infrastructure projects such as the Coastal Road and Dangote Road.

He added that the project aligns with the Federal Government’s broader agenda of modernising Nigeria’s transport infrastructure to support economic diversification and industrial development.

Unlocking Swampy Corridors

Umahi vowed to address the engineering challenges posed by the swampy terrain along the Dangote refinery route and other critical evacuation corridors. He assured that the Ministry of Works would deploy the necessary technical expertise and resources to ensure the project’s timely and durable completion.

During the inspection, the minister directed that roadbed filling works under Project Lot One must be completed by the end of April. He instructed the contractor to intensify on-site activities and scale up the deployment of manpower, equipment, and construction materials to meet project timelines.

He emphasised that tangible progress must be visible on the site and warned against delays that could undermine the strategic value of the corridor.

Confidence in Project Contractor

Umahi expressed confidence in China Harbour Engineering Company Limited (CHEC), the project contractor, citing its successful delivery of the Lekki Deep Sea Port project.

He also referenced the company’s ongoing work on the Makurdi–Enugu road reconstruction and expansion project, describing the quality of construction as satisfactory.

A representative of CHEC assured the minister of the company’s commitment to delivering the 7th Axial Road on schedule. The contractor confirmed that resources have been scaled up at the construction site, with emphasis on safety, quality control, and environmental protection.

Environmental and Safety Compliance

The Minister further called for strict adherence to environmental standards and safety regulations throughout the construction period. He urged relevant regulatory agencies to monitor compliance and ensure that ecological considerations are not compromised.

He noted that the 7th Axial Road is designed to integrate seamlessly with other major infrastructure projects within the Lekki corridor, reinforcing its position as a critical transportation and industrial hub.

Boost for National Logistics

The Federal Government maintains that the completion of the road will strengthen Nigeria’s logistics architecture by improving cargo evacuation from ports and industrial facilities. The project is expected to reduce bottlenecks, lower transportation costs, and enhance the overall efficiency of goods movement across the country.

With the rapid expansion of industrial activities in the Lekki axis, particularly around the Dangote Refinery and the Lekki Deep Sea Port, authorities say the 7th Axial Road will play a decisive role in sustaining economic momentum and attracting further investments.

As construction progresses, stakeholders in the maritime and logistics sectors are closely monitoring developments, hopeful that the project will bring lasting relief to port congestion and position Lagos as a more competitive gateway for trade in West Africa.

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Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to constructing durable, long-lasting roads across the country, stating that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is focused on delivering infrastructure that will stand the test of time for up to 100 years.

Speaking to journalists during an inspection tour of major highway projects in the South-West on Wednesday, Umahi said the government is now prioritizing the use of concrete pavement technology over traditional asphalt in a bid to enhance road longevity and performance.

The minister visited two key projects: the Sagamu–Ijebu-Ode–Benin Expressway and Section II of the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, which stretches from the Sagamu Interchange to Ojoo in Ibadan, Oyo State. He expressed satisfaction with the quality and pace of work on both sites, noting that the projects reflect a new era of infrastructure delivery in Nigeria.

“We are not just constructing roads, we are building infrastructure that will endure for over 100 years,” Umahi stated. “Show me an asphalt road in Nigeria that has lasted 50 years. Even the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, recently rehabilitated with asphalt, is already showing signs of failure in some sections. But the concrete road built in my state in the 1950s remains intact to this day.”

According to Umahi, the decision to adopt concrete pavement is based on its proven durability and cost-effectiveness over time. He stressed that while concrete may have higher upfront costs, it offers lower maintenance requirements and significantly longer lifespan compared to asphalt.

He also used the occasion to criticize the habit of indiscriminate refuse dumping on highways, calling it unpatriotic and a serious impediment to maintaining national infrastructure.

“Our highways are not dumping grounds,” he said. “This behavior undermines the government’s efforts to provide quality infrastructure and must be condemned by all well-meaning Nigerians.”

Umahi reiterated that the Tinubu administration is redefining standards for federal road projects, with a focus on sustainability, quality, and value for money.

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The Federal Government has terminated the reconstruction and expansion contract for the Mararaba–Keffi dual carriageway awarded to China Harbour Engineering Company, citing negligence and failure to comply with approved engineering designs despite repeated warnings.

Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, announced that local contractors with proven competence will now handle the project to ensure timely delivery and adherence to standards. He expressed displeasure over the contractor’s poor performance, noting that the slow pace of work has caused severe hardship for commuters and residents along the corridor.

Umahi, who visited the site with the Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, and senior officials of the ministry, met with Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule, Senator Ahmed Wadata, and other stakeholders at the Keffi flyover to review the project’s progress.

“We cannot continue to tolerate uncooperative contractors who delay projects and ignore directives,” Umahi stated, reaffirming the government’s commitment to delivering world-class and durable road infrastructure.

In a related development, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani held a strategic meeting with Umahi in Abuja to review the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Expressway project, focusing on accelerating work on the Abuja–Jere–Kaduna segment, a critical route serving millions of Nigerians daily.

Sani described the expressway as an economic corridor vital to Northern Nigeria’s development and aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to modernise infrastructure and enhance national competitiveness. Umahi commended the governor’s proactive involvement and disclosed that contractors have been directed to operate double shifts to fast-track completion without compromising quality.

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The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has urged that ongoing legal disputes surrounding the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway project and WinHomes Estate should not be misinterpreted as government hostility toward investors, particularly those from the Nigerian diaspora.

Speaking during a live interview on Arise News on Tuesday, the minister clarified that while litigation involving property demolitions along the highway corridor exists, it does not obstruct the implementation of key national infrastructure initiatives.

“There were and are still cases in court. The first involved 39 property owners whose structures were affected. They were evaluated and compensated, even for informal settlements,” Umahi said. “The president directed us to pay because he wants to alleviate their problems.”

The minister expressed concern that certain media narratives surrounding the disputes could distort public perception and discourage credible foreign investment, especially from Nigerians living abroad.

“When people invoke the diaspora angle in a negative light, it creates unnecessary fear among genuine investors,” Umahi noted. “This government is very friendly with Nigerians in the diaspora, and we will not allow anyone to damage that relationship or the administration’s reputation.”

Umahi also revealed that some diaspora investors who are resident in Nigeria have reached out to seek further clarification on the project’s scope and progress. “They’ve sent letters and want to come to the office. I am more than willing to meet with them and clear any doubts,” he said.

Despite the legal friction, Umahi maintained that the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway remains on schedule and is advancing through multiple phases. “The coastal highway is progressing very well. We are now in session two, and we’ve opened session three and three B, about 65 kilometers in Calabar,” he stated.

The controversy surrounding WinHomes Estate intensified after the company’s diaspora investors raised concerns over demolitions tied to the highway’s alignment. Earlier, Umahi had told reporters that only about four hectares of the estate’s land were impacted by the government’s development plans.

However, the Chief Executive Officer of WinHomes Global Services Ltd., Stella Okengwu, contested the minister’s remarks, insisting that the estate’s total investment exceeds $250 million. She also stressed the importance of upholding legal processes in the dispute.

In response, Umahi questioned the accuracy of the figures being cited. “If truly $250 million was invested, where is the proof? Who paid the money, and through which bank? Nigerians deserve to know,” he said.

The Minister reiterated the administration’s commitment to transparency and to fostering a secure investment climate. He assured stakeholders that the government remains open to dialogue and that legitimate investor concerns will be addressed within the framework of the law.

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Expressing dissatisfaction with the level of work completed thus far, Umahi revealed that the contractor responsible for the project has been summoned for further instructions.

Umahi emphasized the federal government’s commitment to accelerating the construction and rehabilitation of federal roads in the affected states.

Highlighting the critical role these roads play in connecting different parts of the country, he pledged his ministry’s dedication to ensuring the timely completion of these projects to stimulate economic growth.

Assuring residents of the states, Umahi reaffirmed the Federal Government’s unwavering dedication to improving road infrastructure nationwide.

READ ALSO: Cement Price Hike: Tinubu Has Directed Dangote, BUA, Others To Revert To Old Price — Umahi

He underscored the government’s determination to intensify efforts to ensure the projects are completed according to schedule.

“These roads serve as vital arteries for transporting a significant amount of commercial produce from Benin to Lokoja and the southern region of the country.

READ ALSO: CBN Raises Minimum Capital Requirements for Banks

We have assessed the situation and will return with full attention from my team,” Umahi stated.

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This initiative represents a significant step towards enhancing transportation and connectivity along the coastal regions, demonstrating the government’s dedication to national development.

However, amidst the commendation, HDAN recognizes the concerns raised by stakeholders regarding the potential impact of the Coastal Road project on communities along its path.

The proposed alignment of the project has sparked controversy, particularly in Lagos State, where alterations to the original plan have raised apprehensions among residents and property owners.

HDAN shares the concerns expressed by affected communities, emphasizing the importance of engaging stakeholders and professionals to mitigate potential damages. The proposed alignment, which could lead to the demolition of over 500 houses from Alpha Beach to Epe, poses significant challenges to the welfare and livelihoods of affected individuals and families.

READ ALSO: HDAN Applauds Government’s Efforts on Cement Price, Urges Action on Soaring Granite and Iron Rods Cost

“The insistence on demolishing over 500 houses between Alpha Beach and our estate is not just a financial disaster but ruinous,” stated a representative from one of the community. “It appears the contractors are just blasting through to capture funds for commercial reasons. Nothing about the current alignment makes sense on a social, environmental, and welfare level. It does not even make sense on a national interest level.”

HDAN urges the Minister to reconsider the alignment and explore alternative options that prioritize social, environmental, and welfare considerations. The network emphasizes the need for a more sensible approach that minimizes damages while advancing the objectives of the Coastal Road project.

As part of the federal government’s infrastructure development plan, the Coastal Road project aims to enhance transportation and connectivity across the country. However, the current controversy underscores the importance of engaging with affected communities and stakeholders to ensure a mutually beneficial solution.

READ ALSO: HDAN Applauds Government’s Efforts on Cement Price, Urges Action on Soaring Granite and Iron Rods Cost

Efforts to reach the Ministry of Works for comments on the issue were unsuccessful at the time of this report. HDAN calls on the government to initiate dialogue and engagement with all relevant parties to address concerns and find sustainable solutions to the challenges posed by the Coastal Road project.

Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting sustainable housing development and advocating for the welfare of communities across Nigeria. With a focus on social, environmental, and welfare considerations, HDAN works to address challenges and facilitate solutions in the housing sector.

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The discussions, held at the Minister’s office in Abuja, involved a delegation from AfDB, led by Mike Salawou, the Director of Infrastructure and Urban Development.

Umahi stated that these highways would provide essential infrastructure and promote industrialization along their routes, forming a comprehensive network of well-maintained roads that would enhance transportation and trade across the North-South corridors.

The Minister highlighted investment opportunities in infrastructure development, including hospitality, tourism, agriculture, real estate, parks, and industrial sectors along these routes.

Funding from AfDB would be used for sections of the coastal and trans-Saharan highways that are yet to be constructed, awarded, or taken over by concessionaires under the Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI).

The coastal highway project, stretching 700 kilometers, aims to connect Lagos to Cross River, passing through Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and ending in Cross River. Extensions, such as the spur to the Ogoja road and the African Trans-Saharan Road leading to Cameroon, are also planned.

READ ALSO: AfDB Supports Nigeria with $134 Million for Agriculture Expansion

The first phase of the coastal road, spanning 47.47 kilometers from Ahmadu Bello Way to the Lekki deep seaport, has been awarded to Hi-tech Construction Limited. Subsequent phases aim to extend the road to the border between Ogun and Ondo States.

Umahi expressed confidence that the coastal highway project would attract various investors, with Hi-tech Construction Nigeria Limited leading the initiative. Discussions with Hi-tech, the Minister of Finance, and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy are expected to further the project’s development.

READ ALSO: Elevate Your Brand, Network, Attract Investors at Africa International Housing Show 2024

Salawo, representing AfDB, reiterated the bank’s commitment to supporting economic growth and social advancement in member countries. He assured robust support for Nigeria, emphasizing the bank’s readiness to provide technical and financial assistance for road infrastructure development.

Salawou highlighted the importance of the road dualization project between Nigeria and Cameroon, noting its potential to enhance regional integration and trade relations, given Nigeria’s position as Cameroon’s primary trade ally.

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The Minister, during a courtesy visit on Tuesday by the leadership of COREN, led by Engr. Prof. Sadiq Zubair Abubaker, expressed his commitment to actively engage with COREN and other engineering affiliates to uphold professional standards and promote excellence in the field.

Sen. Umahi emphasized the significance of partnering with COREN to enhance professional ethics and uphold standards in engineering practice. He underscored the need for regulatory bodies to take decisive action in cases of professional misconduct, stressing the vital role of COREN in ensuring discipline within the engineering profession.

“It is our intention to work with COREN and all other engineering affiliates, we will like to work with you as we have so far carried you along very well incorporating you into  a number of our committees and you have responded positively,” Umahi said.

Highlighting the role of COREN, he said “I do believe strongly that the engineering body should do more; there is supposed to be action where professional ethics are breached.”

READ ALSO: Federal Government Signs Partnership with UK Developers for Abuja Tech City Construction

Continuing, the minister asserted that “there should be punitive action taken that will help in promoting professional ethics and ultimately leading to promoting engineering service as in the case of other professions like Law.”

The Minister called for strict rules similar to those in other professions, like Law, highlighting how important it is for organizations overseeing engineering to make sure the work environment is conducive for providing engineering services.

“If the engineering bodies should do their work of ensuring the discipline of our profession, then we can get a better practice, a better society. The people you fail to supervise today are going to be the ones to build the bridges we will use tomorrow; that is the danger if we don’t do our own part to ensure that the professional ethics are enforced, ” the Minister submitted.

READ ASO: Federal Government Signs Partnership with UK Developers for Abuja Tech City Construction

In his remarks, Engr. Prof Sadiq Zubair Abubaker, President of COREN, commended the Honourable Minister for his proactive approach towards infrastructural development in Nigeria. He pledged COREN’s continuous support and collaboration with the Ministry to advance engineering practice in the country.

In the delegation of COREN were the Registrar of COREN, Engr. Prof. Adisa Bello; the Head of Finance and Accounts, Lawan Mariri. Others include Engr Ahmed Kutigi, and Engr. Teah Andrew Onyilo.

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