The Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway will soon include relief stations, solar-powered lighting and CCTV coverage at key points to improve safety for travellers. The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, announced the plan during an inspection of the Calabar–Itu Road and Sections 3A and 3B of the 750-kilometre corridor now under construction in Cross River State.
The minister toured the 71.4-kilometre stretch handled by HITECH Africa Construction Company Limited and noted that the work is being executed with continuously reinforced concrete pavement. During his stop in Awi, in Akamkpa Local Government Area, he commended the company for its equipment, technical capacity and adherence to quality standards. He described HITECH as a partner whose work continues to shape national development.
Umahi also credited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for driving the project forward and recalled that the highway traces its roots to a vision first conceived during Tinubu’s time as Lagos State governor nearly three decades ago. He said the added security features would improve coordination among emergency services and cut response times to under ten minutes once the road becomes fully operational.
HITECH’s Managing Director, Dany Aboud, said the company is ready to deploy more workers and machinery to keep both sections on schedule within the 36-month contract period.
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The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Mpigi Barinada, praised the progress recorded so far. He encouraged the public to recognise the volume of earthworks involved, especially in swampy terrain that demands specialised engineering.
Dr. Alex Egbona, who represents Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency, said residents have watched the work with interest and believe the highway will open new economic opportunities in Cross River State. He expressed confidence that the project’s impact would strengthen support for President Tinubu ahead of 2027.
The Federal Controller of Works in Cross River, Yinka Onafuye, confirmed that the Federal Government has paid ₦1 billion in compensation to those affected by the construction. According to him, between 700 and 1,000 people from twelve communities in Akamkpa and Odukpani Local Government Areas have received payments. He added that further compensation is in progress and that the ministry is helping residents who lack bank accounts to open new ones so their payments can be processed without delay.
