The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has urged Nigeria and other major African economies to strengthen fiscal, monetary and governance reforms as part of efforts to improve economic stability and promote broader-based growth.

In its assessment of reform priorities across eight of the African Union’s largest economies, the IMF identified fiscal reform as a key priority in all but one of the countries reviewed. For Nigeria, the areas highlighted include tax policy, revenue collection, public financial management and more efficient government spending.

The Fund also identified improvements to monetary policy frameworks and policy transmission as priorities for Nigeria, Egypt and Ethiopia. In Nigeria’s case, it said governance reforms should include stronger fiscal transparency, better public financial management and improved anti-corruption measures.

The IMF said stronger domestic revenue mobilisation and more transparent and efficient public spending would help African economies build more resilient institutions. It argued that stronger fiscal and monetary frameworks can support sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

Nigeria’s tax reform agenda

The recommendations come as the Federal Government continues to implement a wide-ranging reform of Nigeria’s tax system. The new framework, which took effect in January 2026, is built around the Nigeria Tax Act, Nigeria Tax Administration Act, Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act and Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act.

The reforms are intended to simplify tax administration, remove overlapping taxes, improve compliance and broaden government revenue. They are also designed to reduce the regulatory and tax burden on smaller businesses.

However, businesses continue to cite taxation as a major operating challenge. The Central Bank of Nigeria’s July 2026 Business Expectations Survey found that 70.8 per cent of respondents identified high and multiple taxation as their biggest constraint, ahead of insecurity and high interest rates.

For the housing and construction sectors, the quality of fiscal policy has direct implications. Developers, contractors and property businesses operate within a wider environment shaped by taxation, public infrastructure spending, interest rates and access to finance. Changes that improve tax administration while reducing unnecessary duplication could affect project costs and investment decisions.

Monetary policy remains a concern

The IMF’s call for stronger monetary policy frameworks follows an aggressive tightening cycle by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in recent years.

After Olayemi Cardoso became CBN governor in 2023, the bank pursued tighter monetary and liquidity conditions alongside foreign exchange reforms. The measures were aimed at addressing inflationary pressures, strengthening market confidence and improving macroeconomic stability.

The Monetary Policy Rate stood at 18.75 per cent in 2023 before the CBN began raising it in 2024. The benchmark rate increased to 22.75 per cent in February 2024 and eventually reached 27.5 per cent by the end of that year.

The CBN also increased banks’ Cash Reserve Ratio from 32.5 per cent to 45 per cent in early 2024 and later to 50 per cent as part of efforts to reduce excess liquidity.

The policy environment has since moved towards gradual easing as inflationary pressures moderated and economic conditions improved. Presidential aide Tope Fasua has nevertheless argued that the country should reconsider its tight monetary stance, warning that persistently high interest rates could restrict economic expansion without delivering the desired reduction in inflation.

Financing risks and infrastructure

The IMF’s concerns also extend to Nigeria’s approach to sovereign financing. In June, the Fund cautioned the country over plans to raise as much as $5 billion through a derivatives-based financing arrangement with First Abu Dhabi Bank.

The IMF warned that such structures can expose governments to significant risks because their terms may be difficult to evaluate fully.

The Federal Government has also secured about $1.2 billion in financing from the United Arab Emirates for construction of a major section of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway.

Infrastructure financing remains important to Nigeria’s wider development prospects because transport networks and public investment influence access to housing, construction activity, land values and the expansion of urban centres.

For Nigeria, the IMF’s recommendations therefore extend beyond macroeconomic indicators. Stronger public finances, effective monetary policy, transparent governance and disciplined infrastructure financing can shape the operating environment for businesses and determine how effectively public resources support economic and urban development.

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The Federal Government has completed 40 major road and bridge projects across Nigeria between May 2023 and May 2026, while construction is ongoing on approximately 5,400 kilometres of highways, expressways, and strategic road corridors nationwide. The update was contained in the Federal Ministry of Works’ three-year projects report, which highlights the administration’s ongoing investment in transport infrastructure.

According to the report, about 1,800 kilometres of major road projects have been completed during the review period, while 133 additional projects are currently under construction. The projects span all six geopolitical zones and include highway reconstruction, road dualisation, bridge construction, bypasses, coastal highways, and emergency road interventions aimed at improving connectivity across the country.

The South-West recorded the highest number of completed projects with 12, followed by the South-East, North-East, and South-South with six each. The North-West and North-Central completed five projects each. Major infrastructure corridors receiving attention include the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, Kano-Maiduguri Road, Lokoja-Benin Road, Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Highway, and several other strategic routes linking commercial centres, ports, agricultural communities, and international borders.

The Ministry noted that the projects are designed to improve transportation efficiency, reduce travel time, lower vehicle operating costs, facilitate the movement of agricultural produce and manufactured goods, and stimulate economic growth. In addition to major highway construction, the programme also includes emergency repairs to roads, bridges, and culverts damaged by flooding and erosion to maintain access for affected communities.

The report further stated that several leading construction firms, including CCECC, Hitech Construction, Julius Berger, CGC Nigeria, Setraco, RCC, Arab Contractors, China Harbour Engineering Company, Mothercat, and Dangote Industries, are executing projects across different regions under the Federal Government’s infrastructure programme.

Stakeholders believe that the success of the road programme will ultimately depend on timely funding, quality project execution, and effective maintenance after completion. They note that improved road infrastructure has the potential to strengthen regional integration, reduce logistics costs, improve road safety, and support Nigeria’s long-term economic development

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How Infrastructure Deficit Stalls Growth in Real Estate has taken an aggressive regulatory turn as the Federal Government ordered the immediate removal of all structures located within a 15-meter setback of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. Speaking during a live television broadcast on Monday, the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, announced that the targeted demolitions are necessary to clear the legal right-of-way for essential service lanes and modern drainage channels. The Minister explained that these access corridors are a fundamental component of the project’s approved engineering blueprint, designed specifically to integrate adjoining coastal communities safely into the main arterial expressway.

The enforcement directive has sparked widespread anxiety across the regional property market, with real estate stakeholders projecting that the clearing exercise could affect between 1,700 and 2,700 buildings along the extended transit belt. In response to growing public criticism that the heavy engineering works have worsened recent severe flash floods across Lagos, Umahi strongly defended the multi-trillion naira development. He countered that the coastal highway layout was scientifically engineered to mitigate regional ocean surges and flood risks rather than exacerbate them, pointing to the structural integration of massive stormwater evacuation channels and expansive culverts along the route.

The Works Ministry attributed the persistent seasonal flooding in premium real estate hubs, such as Victoria Island and Lekki, to long-standing environmental abuse, clogged municipal drainage networks, and unauthorized structural developments over natural waterways. Regulatory authorities reiterated that a comprehensive Environmental and Social Impact Assessment was systematically finalized and published before construction commenced. Government executives emphasized that while the administration remains committed to protecting the investments of law-abiding property owners through statutory compensation frameworks, strict enforcement of statutory setbacks remains non-negotiable to secure long-term infrastructure connectivity and regional safety.

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The Federal Government has announced a high-level stakeholders’ engagement on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as part of renewed efforts to address environmental concerns and improve flood management along the project corridor.

The meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, July 7, follows an inspection tour of completed and ongoing sections of the highway by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, alongside members of the National Assembly and officials from key government agencies.

According to a statement issued by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Works, Mohammed Ahmed, the engagement will bring together the Senate and House Committees on Works, the Federal Ministry of Environment, the Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation, the Lagos State Government, representatives of landlords’ associations, and other stakeholders.

The ministry said the meeting is aimed at addressing environmental concerns, promoting environmentally responsible practices, and strengthening collaboration on flood management around the highway corridor.

During the inspection, Umahi dismissed claims linking the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway to flooding in parts of Lagos, maintaining that the project was designed with modern drainage infrastructure to improve water flow and reduce flooding in shoreline communities.

The minister explained that the Federal Ministry of Works had already begun collaborating with the Lagos State Government on dredging activities and other environmental mitigation measures to tackle flooding in affected locations.

According to him, persistent flooding in many parts of Lagos is largely caused by indiscriminate refuse disposal, blocked drainage channels, obstructed manholes, and violations of environmental regulations by residents rather than the highway project itself.

“You can see people blocking manholes and creating hazards to the environment. Many complaints about flooding stem from human activities, not the road project,” Umahi said during the inspection.

He assured residents that the Federal Government would continue implementing remediation measures, including improved drainage systems, dredging operations, and strict enforcement of the approved right-of-way along the highway.

Umahi also warned that structures obstructing drainage channels or encroaching on designated setbacks would be removed to ensure effective flood control.

The minister noted that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway incorporates modern engineering features such as culverts, embankments, and drainage systems specifically designed to manage stormwater and complement wider flood-control efforts across Lagos.

He said the inspection was conducted on the directive of President Bola Tinubu as part of the administration’s commitment to protecting lives, property, and critical infrastructure while promoting sustainable development.

To safeguard completed sections of the highway, Umahi directed the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Engr. Olufemi Dare, to enforce environmental safety standards across the project.

He also announced the recruitment of 40 security and monitoring personnel—20 for daytime operations and 20 for night patrols—to prevent vandalism, theft of road infrastructure, and illegal refuse dumping along the highway.

Speaking at the inspection, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South-West), Moremi Ojudu, urged residents to support government efforts by protecting the environment and complying with environmental regulations.

Lawmakers who participated in the inspection also defended the project. The Minority Whip of the Senate, Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, said flooding in Lagos predated the construction of the coastal highway and called for expert-driven environmental solutions.

Similarly, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Allwell Onyesoh, and the Chairman of the House Committee on Works, Akin Alabi, commended the minister’s response to the President’s directive, stressing that Lagos’ flooding challenges require long-term, science-based interventions.

The Director of Environmental Impact Assessment at the Federal Ministry of Environment also confirmed that an Environmental Impact Assessment was approved before construction of the highway commenced, adding that the growing effects of climate change have intensified flooding and other environmental challenges across Lagos.

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The Federal Government has announced plans to integrate internal drainage systems and service lanes along specific sections of the ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. This infrastructure modification aims to mitigate the severe seasonal flooding affecting several residential communities located along the construction corridor. Minister of Works, David Umahi, made this disclosure during a comprehensive assessment tour of Section One of the mega road project, following directives from President Bola Tinubu to investigate public concerns raised over environmental impacts.

During the joint inspection with federal lawmakers, environmental consultants, and construction partners, officials observed that the current flooding problems stem largely from human interference rather than the road design itself. Technical evaluations revealed that numerous natural drainage channels and critical water retention basins, including parts of the Kuramo Lagoon, had been systematically reclaimed through illegal sand-filling. Consequently, the Ministry of Works has halted these unauthorized reclamation activities and ordered dredging operations to restore the natural carrying capacity of the waterways.

The administration dismissed online claims blaming the new arterial route for recent ecological disruptions, clarifying that structural challenges in nearby estates predate the highway project. At Alpha Beach, engineering assessments indicated that many residential foundations were built below proper flood-level projections without adequate environmental impact consideration. To create functional access and proper water channeling, the government will deploy strategically positioned culverts, though the addition of these necessary service roads may require removing certain structures encroaching on the right-of-way.

To ensure fairness, the federal authorities are collaborating with the Lagos State Government to verify property approvals, pledging that equitable compensation will be paid to valid property owners where displacement is unavoidable. Meanwhile, infrastructure experts defended the ongoing shoreline protection works being executed by the contractor, comparing the reclamation method to the successful model used for Eko Atlantic City. This specialized engineering approach is expected to shield vulnerable communities from escalating coastal erosion, ocean surges, and rising sea levels.

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu says the Federal Government is executing infrastructure projects on an unprecedented scale, with more than 2,700 kilometres of highways and major roads currently under construction, reconstruction or rehabilitation across Nigeria.

Speaking during a nationwide address marking the third anniversary of his administration, the President said the investments are aimed at improving connectivity, boosting economic activity, creating jobs and enhancing living standards.

2,700km of Roads Under Construction Nationwide

Tinubu said major road projects are ongoing across the country, including:

• Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway
• Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway
• Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano corridor
• East-West Road

He noted that several sections of these projects are already completed or nearing completion, with the goal of improving regional trade and strengthening national logistics networks.

The administration says the road programme is part of a broader effort to modernise transport infrastructure and address long-standing connectivity challenges affecting economic growth.

Renewed Hope Housing Programme Delivers Over 10,000 Units

In the housing sector, Tinubu said the Renewed Hope Housing Programme and the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) are delivering more than 10,000 housing units across 14 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Major Renewed Hope Cities in Abuja, Lagos and Kano are also progressing steadily.

According to the President, the housing programme has generated over 300,000 jobs, largely through construction-related activities, materials supply and associated services.

Energy Sector Investments Expand Refining and Gas Capacity

Tinubu disclosed that the $5 billion Nigeria LNG Train 7 project is nearing completion, with expectations of boosting gas production and export capacity.

He also said ongoing investments in modular and large-scale refineries are reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported petroleum products and easing pressure on foreign exchange.

On electricity, the President said reforms are being implemented to address legacy debts, expand transmission infrastructure and support renewable energy development.

Rail Modernisation to Boost Connectivity

The administration also confirmed continued rail modernisation projects aimed at improving national logistics and transport efficiency.

Tinubu said improved rail systems will reduce transportation costs, strengthen economic integration and enhance movement of goods and passengers across the country.

Infrastructure Linked to Economic Reforms

The President linked the infrastructure drive to broader economic reforms introduced since 2023, including fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange unification.

He acknowledged the inflationary impact of the reforms but maintained that they have strengthened public finances, improved investor confidence and created a more stable economic foundation.

Impact on Housing and Urban Development

Experts say the infrastructure push could significantly reshape Nigeria’s housing and real estate sector by opening new growth corridors and increasing demand for residential developments.

Improved roads, rail systems and energy access are expected to drive urban expansion, raise land values and stimulate private sector investment in housing.

President Tinubu’s announcement underscores a large-scale infrastructure agenda spanning roads, housing, rail and energy. With over 2,700 kilometres of road projects underway and major housing and energy investments in progress, the administration says it is laying the foundation for long-term economic transformation.

As implementation continues, attention will remain on delivery timelines, financing sustainability and the real impact on households, businesses and national development outcomes.

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The Lagos State Government has approved designated mining sites for Hitech Construction Company to support ongoing works on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project.

The disclosure was made during the 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources held in Alausa, Ikeja, where officials reviewed key infrastructure and sectoral achievements over the past year.

Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Biodun Ogunleye, said the approvals were granted to ensure steady supply of construction materials for the large-scale federal project being executed in Lagos.

According to him, the designated mining sites are located across Ilamija, Kajola, Orimedu and Akodo corridors, and were activated to support continuous delivery of materials for the highway construction.

“Designated Mining Approvals: To accelerate critical infrastructure, the Ministry facilitated the approval of designated mining sites at Ilamija, Kajola/Orimedu, and Akodo for Hitech Construction Company, directly supporting the development of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project,” he said.

The government explained that the arrangement is aimed at strengthening infrastructure delivery along key development corridors while reducing supply disruptions for ongoing construction works.

Hitech Construction Company is the main contractor handling the Lagos segment of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway under an Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Financing (EPC+F) arrangement.

Beyond the mining approvals, the ministry said it is actively monitoring 20 mineral resource sites across Lagos State, comprising 13 active and seven inactive locations spread across Ikorodu, Epe, Ibeju-Lekki, Ajah and Badagry axes.

It also disclosed that 141 approved revenue consultants have been deployed to improve compliance, monitoring and revenue collection within the mining and mineral resources sector.

In addition, joint enforcement operations with the Lagos Waste Management Authority led to the deployment of specialised corridor sweepers, known as “Highway Doctors,” along the Ajah–Ibeju-Lekki–Epe axis to address sand spillages linked to mining and construction activities.

The ministry further noted that it is facilitating right-of-way approvals for the Lekki-Epe Integrated Energy Corridor, a 132kV transmission line and gas pipeline project aimed at strengthening industrial energy supply across the corridor.

It also confirmed the deployment of four marine filling stations under the Waterways Energy Solutions programme to support ferry terminals operated by the Lagos State Waterways Authority.

In the power sector, the ministry said it has issued 14 licences and permits covering off-grid, embedded generation, independent distribution, metering and mini-grid projects across the state.

These include projects such as Axxela’s 5.8MW embedded generation facility at Cadbury Nigeria Plc and a 9MW project by Isolo Power Gen Limited, alongside additional approvals for energy and mini-grid developers.

The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway remains one of Nigeria’s largest infrastructure projects, spanning over 750 kilometres across coastal states.

Construction began in March 2024, with initial sections in Lagos already commissioned, while works continue across multiple states including Cross River and Akwa Ibom.

The project, being executed by Hitech Construction Company, has attracted multi-layer financing, including support from development finance institutions, as federal authorities push ahead with its phased delivery.

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The Chief Executive Officer of , , has clarified issues surrounding the widely reported $250 million investment linked to the company’s estate development affected by the project.

Speaking with journalists, Okengwu explained that the $250 million figure represents the estimated Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) attracted into Nigeria’s real estate sector through the estate development.

According to her, much of the investment was mobilised from Nigerians in the diaspora and international partners participating in the project.

Diaspora investment in real estate

Okengwu noted that diaspora-driven real estate investments contribute significant inflows to Nigeria’s economy each year, adding that the WINHOMES estate project forms part of that broader investment stream.

She said the company’s ongoing engagement with government authorities relates to compensation for the section of land affected by the alignment of the coastal road project.

The CEO explained that the amount being discussed is tied specifically to the portion of land impacted by the infrastructure development.

Estate development already underway

Okengwu revealed that extensive groundwork had already been completed on the estate site before the coastal road alignment affected part of the project.

According to her, preparatory works carried out included:

• Land clearing and grading
• Internal road layout planning
• Sand filling and embankment construction
• Drainage preparation

She disclosed that more than 30,000 truckloads of sand were deployed to stabilise the land as part of the estate development.

Heavy construction equipment such as bulldozers and payloaders were also mobilised for the project.

Community engagement and infrastructure

The project also involved several early-stage developments, including:

• Construction of an estate gatehouse
• Community engagement initiatives
• Initial structural work for a proposed multi-storey building

Okengwu explained that the estate operates under a developer-led model, where subscribers purchase plots through the company while it oversees the development process.

Commitment to dialogue

The WINHOMES CEO reaffirmed the company’s commitment to transparency and continued engagement with relevant stakeholders as discussions progress.

She expressed optimism that through constructive dialogue, the project can be adjusted in a way that supports both national infrastructure development and private sector investment.

Okengwu added that the company remains focused on protecting investors’ interests while aligning with Nigeria’s broader development goals.

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Communities in Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area of Lagos State have raised alarm over an alleged plan by the Federal Government to enforce a 150-metre setback on both sides of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, warning that the move could further displace long-established settlements.

When our correspondent visited the axis on Thursday, community leaders said residents were living in fear following fresh markings reportedly carried out by officials, which they believe signal another round of demolitions.

Fears of Further Displacement

While acknowledging the coastal highway as a major infrastructure initiative, the leaders expressed concern over repeated realignments of the corridor, which they said had already led to the destruction of homes, shrines and ancestral landmarks.

They urged the Federal Ministry of Works and the Lagos State Government to provide clear clarification on the project’s alignment and setback provisions, and to engage affected communities before taking further action.

Chief Adebayo Agbabiaka, who spoke on behalf of the communities, said previous demolition exercises had displaced entire villages, including multi-storey buildings erected long before the coastal road project commenced.

He explained that years ago, residents transported building materials by boat through Epe before constructing homes in the area, underscoring the long-standing presence of the settlements.

According to him, compensation paid during earlier exercises was inadequate, noting that some affected families reportedly received between N9 million and N10 million — sums he argued would be insufficient to acquire land or resettle households in Ibeju-Lekki.

He added that although compensation was reportedly paid for crops, many homeowners were yet to be compensated for demolished structures.

Call for Waiver

Agbabiaka said new markings allegedly extended 150 metres to both the left and right sides of the highway corridor.

“If they take 150 metres on both sides, the communities will be severely affected. These are ancestral homes. If they are taken from us, where will we go?” he asked.

He stressed that residents were not resisting the project but were appealing for a waiver that would allow existing settlements to remain.

Similarly, the Chief Odofin of Opo-Ijebu Kingdom, Kunle Balogun, said the repeated adjustments to the project alignment had unsettled residents.

“After earlier demolitions and realignment, they are now talking about another 150 metres setback. What will be left of our communities?” he queried, urging the Federal Government to review the situation.

Another resident, Sharahu Ogunyemi, described the land as communal property and warned that enforcing the proposed setback could effectively erase entire settlements.

Federal Position

A source within the Federal Ministry of Works, who spoke anonymously because he was not authorised to comment officially, said the markings were carried out by the Office of the Surveyor General of the Federation.

According to the source, the exercise was intended to notify residents that properties within 150 metres on both sides of the corridor fall within federal right-of-way, adding that it did not automatically translate to immediate demolition.

When contacted, the Zonal Director of Survey Coordination, OSGOF Lagos, declined to comment.

Project Overview

The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is a flagship federal infrastructure project designed to construct an estimated 700-kilometre road linking Lagos to Calabar. The route is expected to pass through several coastal states, including Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers and Akwa Ibom, before terminating in Cross River State.

Despite its projected economic benefits, property owners and investors along the corridor have continued to express concern over demolition notices, compensation processes and enforcement of setback regulations.

Last month, groups under the banner of Project Affected Persons also raised objections to directives reportedly requiring properties within a strict 150-metre setback from the high-water mark to be vacated.

The matter remains a source of tension as residents await official clarification on the extent and implications of the proposed setback enforcement.

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The Federal Government has expressed serious concern over escalating vandalism of critical public infrastructure, particularly along the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway and major bridges in Lagos.

The surge in destruction threatens the longevity of newly constructed roads and bridges nationwide.

Minister of Works, David Umahi, who spoke at a press briefing on Thursday, linked the problem to deliberate sabotage and improper waste disposal, which has blocked drainage channels and caused flooding along the highway.

“The coastal highway has become a hotspot for vandalism despite increased security. Protective installations like barbed wires have been repeatedly stolen, and ongoing construction is being disrupted by illegal access to restricted areas,” Umahi said.

The minister revealed that the width of the coastal highway is 12 metres, with 9 metres completed, but protective coverings and wire bars have been damaged by vandals. He commended Lagos State authorities and the police for deploying operatives, yet emphasized the fight remains “daily and ongoing.”

Flooding and Drainage Challenges

Umahi attributed recent flooding to blocked underground drainage systems, noting that citizens frequently dump refuse into manholes, preventing water from flowing and worsening flood risks.

“The public has a duty to protect these assets. We are working to keep the coastal highway functional, but citizens must also cooperate,” he said.

Bridge Safety Concerns

Beyond the highway, the minister raised alarms about major bridges, including the Third Mainland Bridge and Carter Bridge, citing structural weaknesses exacerbated by illegal sand mining. Carter Bridge, he noted, may require eventual demolition, though temporary measures are planned to maintain functionality for up to three years.

Umahi also reported nationwide vandalism, including theft of expansion joints, concrete barriers, and electrical installations on highways and flyovers. He praised the installation of CCTV cameras on the Third Mainland Bridge, which aided in tracking and apprehending vandals.

Government Response and Warnings

The minister reiterated the use of reinforced concrete technology in new road construction, ensuring durability of 50–100 years, and cautioned against parking heavy vehicles on bridges, which are not designed for static loads.

“Repeated vandalism drains public resources and slows development. Protecting infrastructure is a collective responsibility,” Umahi stressed.

The Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, a 700-kilometre flagship federal project, is intended to enhance trade, tourism, and regional connectivity from Lagos to Calabar, Cross River State.

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