Umahi highlights security, innovation in Lagos-Calabar coastal highway progress

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has shed light on the innovative and security-focused elements of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Project, emphasizing its role in transforming Nigeria’s road infrastructure.

In a statement released by his media adviser, Orji Orji, Umahi described the project as a cornerstone of the Tinubu administration’s commitment to modernizing transportation and fostering economic connectivity across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

The minister outlined plans to integrate advanced features such as solar-powered CCTV cameras covering the entire 750-kilometre stretch, strategically placed lay-bys every 5 to 15 kilometres, and security posts equipped for rapid response.

“We’re going to plant trees, and of course, we are going to also have some lay bays. We can decide every five kilometres we have a lay bay where we connect all our CCTV cameras. And then we have vehicles and the security within the cabin there, so that the response time will be like 10 minutes. I’m sure that you’ve witnessed what we did at Third Mainland Bridge. That’s what we intend to replicate in all our highways.

“And so, the entire stretch of 750 kilometres to Calabar will be under CCTV, powered by solar. And then every five kilometres, or 10 or 15, as we may agree, we will have a portal cabin where we have security posts, no blocking of the roads, we have a viewing centre, and then you view the entire stretch left and right.

“We will agree on the number of kilometres, depending on the capacity of the cameras on the imperative of the contract review,” Umahi said.

He also highlighted the importance of a comprehensive contract review to incorporate previously unplanned elements like service lanes, topsoil removal, and security infrastructure.

The minister praised President Tinubu’s dedication to legacy projects, including the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway and the ongoing work in Kebbi and Sokoto. He noted that the administration’s focus on concrete road construction and integrated rail systems positions Nigeria for long-term economic benefits.

“We believe strongly that we’ll be able to have about 20 km in both sections to commission by May 29th. In section one of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway in the South-West, we are very sure that we’ll commission the first 20 km in section one and 10 km in section two,” Umahi added.

He commended the President’s prioritization of infrastructure amidst competing demands in critical sectors. “The president has given very serious attention to road infrastructure. Don’t forget that this Coastal Highway and, of course, the four Legacy Projects all have the train track incorporated. The construction of the train track for this section is going to take off in 2025. So this is what we are doing. And we believe strongly that the President is going to give the nation of Nigeria the road infrastructure that they have been yearning for.”

————

For Advertisement, Event Coverage/MC, Public Relations, Story/Article Publication, and other Media Services, kindly send an email to: cablenews24.com@gmail.com.

Or Kindly call: 08023535955

To stay updated with the latest news stories, kindly visit cablenews24.com… published by AAAANDREL GLOBAL SERVICES.