The Federal Government has raised concerns over alleged vandalism at the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Superhighway construction site, following reports that some individuals were caught removing materials meant for the multi-billion-naira project.
The warning comes shortly after the Minister of Works, David Umahi, inaugurated the Coastal Highway Guards in Lagos, with the initiative aimed at strengthening security around the highway project and other critical infrastructure along its route.
The Minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Media, Francis Nwaze, disclosed the development in a statement on Thursday, describing the alleged theft of construction materials as a threat to a major national infrastructure investment.
Nwaze warned that continued vandalism could slow down construction, increase the overall cost of the project and create safety hazards for workers and communities located along the highway corridor.
He said the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Superhighway remains one of the Federal Government’s major infrastructure projects being implemented under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through the Federal Ministry of Works.
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According to him, the highway is expected to strengthen connectivity among communities along the coastline, facilitate the movement of people and goods and support economic activities in the areas it passes through.
Nwaze expressed concern that the alleged vandalism occurred despite the recent establishment of the Coastal Highway Guards to improve security around the project.
He called on security agencies and other relevant authorities to intensify efforts to prevent further theft, destruction or interference with construction activities.
The minister’s aide also appealed to residents living along the project corridor to play an active role in protecting the infrastructure by reporting suspicious movements and activities around construction sites.
“Government must build. Contractors must deliver. Security agencies must protect. And citizens must take responsibility,” Nwaze said.
He stressed that securing public infrastructure should not be regarded as the sole responsibility of government, arguing that citizens living around the project also have a role to play in preventing vandalism.
Nwaze noted that the highway, when completed, would ultimately serve Nigerians by improving transportation and economic activities across the coastal states.
He therefore urged residents, community leaders and other stakeholders to promptly report incidents involving the theft or destruction of construction materials.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Superhighway is among the Federal Government’s major ongoing road infrastructure projects and is designed to improve connectivity between communities along Nigeria’s coastline while supporting the movement of people, goods and economic activities across the southern part of the country.
