David Umahi, the Minister of Works, has assured that the federal government is prioritising durable infrastructure to drive economic growth. Speaking during an inspection of the ongoing Lagos-Ogun section of the Sokoto-Badagry super highway, Umahi said the project is a flagship investment aimed at improving interstate connectivity and lowering logistics costs. He assessed the progress of work and the quality of construction materials being used, directing the Ogun State Federal Controller of Works to provide updates on completed sections and outstanding engineering works.
The minister, who was accompanied by federal lawmakers and ministry officials, commended the Hitech Construction Company for the quality of work on the project. He argued that decades of underinvestment and poor construction standards have largely contributed to Nigeria’s current road infrastructure deficit. If previous administrations had built roads to this quality, the country would not be facing such infrastructure challenges today, he said. Umahi added that contractors handling federal projects will continue to held accountable for meeting approved engineering specifications.
Providing an update on construction progress, Oyewande Aliu, the engineer overseeing Section Three of the route, said the 162.352-kilometre stretch from Lagos through Ogun State to the Oyo State boundary has recorded significant progress. He disclosed that 25 kilometres of continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP) have been completed on the left carriageway, while 9.4 kilometres have been constructed on the right carriageway. Earthworks have reached approximately 81 kilometres, while site clearance has extended to about 145 kilometres of the corridor.
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Work on some sections has slowed temporarily to accommodate the construction of a major interchange bridge and the installation of cross culverts, both of which are essential for effective drainage and the long-term durability of the highway. The super highway forms a critical component of the federal government’s infrastructure renewal programme and is expected to strengthen trade links between Nigeria’s northwestern and southwestern economic corridors while improving the movement of people and goods across the country.
Technical assessment ordered for Lagos-Calabar coastal highway
Umahi also addressed concerns raised over the flooding incident around the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway, insisting there is no technical evidence linking the project to the recent flooding experienced in some parts of Lagos. He disclosed that President Bola Tinubu had directed his ministry to evaluate the highway corridor and adjoining communities to determine the actual causes of the flooding.
The minister said the team will evaluate the coastal highway and its surroundings, not because the government is causing the flooding, but because the president has directed that a technical assessment be undertaken. He noted that the flooding is largely a consequence of the non-implementation of the Lagos State flood management master plan, inadequate drainage infrastructure and indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drainage channels and manholes. You can see the amount of refuse blocking drainage channels, he said, noting that this indiscipline obstructs the free flow of water and contributes significantly to flooding. He maintained that the coastal highway was designed with adequate drainage systems that comply with modern engineering standards.