The Federal Government of Nigeria has threatened to halt the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project due to a series of violent activities recorded as recurring on the highway. This motive came up as a result of the consistent vandalism and disobedience of traffic rules by road users, such as excessive speeding and deliberate neglect of the speed limit, which is 30 km/h. These activities have reportedly led to the loss of lives on that road and fatal accidents.
The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Dare Olufemi, has given road users the optimum duration of two weeks to put an end to the violation or risk losing access to the coastal road. The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, which was opened to ease traffic on the Lekki-Epe highway, has tremendously served its purpose since its creation, reducing the high rate of daily road congestion on the Lekki-Epe highway and helping commuters get to their destination in time. However, the value of this road is being reduced by criminal activities carried out on this road. This includes vandalism, indiscriminate parking and walking, and illegal U-turns.
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Engineer Dare Olufemi explained that several kilometers of clearview fencing have been removed and carted away. He also identified that about eighteen kilometers of drainage covers have been illegally removed. He further explained that the concrete in the drainage covers was broken and the metals in it were taken away. He also mentioned that overspeeding is prohibited on the highway, as construction work is still ongoing on the road. He cited instances where some vehicles have been seen driving at a speed of 120km/h on the highway. He also gave account of deaths being recorded almost every day.
Following the meeting between the Federal Minister of Works, David Umahi, and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani, which focused on tightening security and enforcing traffic regulations along the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Lagos State Police command committed to increasing the number of police officers along the highway to enhance proper monitoring and prevent crime. They also authorized the immediate towing away and clamping of trucks and trailers illegally parked on the highway. Illegal U-turns, commercial motorcycles (okada), tricycles, roadside hawkers, illegal dwellings, or settlements that serve as hideouts for criminals along the route.
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Oluyemi Dare mentioned that plans were in motion to deploy CCTV cameras to enhance monitoring along the highway. He also said the government had authorized the enrollment of 40 coastal guards, with four to be from each community along the route. He explained that the guards will work alongside the police to monitor activities within the communities, while more personnel would be brought in to strengthen security under section 2.
Dare also recalled that some coastal guards who had been deployed in the past were attacked by vandals, making it clear that they needed better protection from the police. He said the government would also reorganize the coastal guards and provide them with proper training, with the Lagos State police taking direct responsibility for their supervision.
