RismadarVoice Reporters
September 22, 2026
The Federal Government of Nigeria has warned that the Lagos section of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway could be shut within two weeks if motorists and other road users fail to comply with safety directives imposed on the route.
Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Olufemi Dare, issued the warning on Monday while addressing persistent safety, security and traffic violations along the highway.
Dare said Minister of Works David Umahi had directed officials to assess compliance over the next two weeks, warning that the road could be closed if there was no significant improvement.
“In another two weeks, if there’s no improvement, His Excellency has directed that we are coming back to shut down the road,” he said.
The controller identified excessive speeding, illegal parking by trucks and articulated vehicles, unauthorised U-turns, motorcycles and tricycles, roadside trading and other activities as major concerns.
According to him, the Lagos stretch comprises two sections measuring about 47.5 kilometres and 56 kilometres, bringing the total to approximately 103 kilometres.
He said construction remained ongoing, particularly on bridges, despite portions of the highway having been opened to traffic.
Dare expressed concern that some motorists were travelling at speeds of up to 120 kilometres per hour despite a 30km/h limit imposed on sections where construction activities are continuing.
“We have said your speed on the coastal road must not be more than 30km/h. It is well written everywhere. But people will come here and go at 100km/h. This cannot continue,” he said.
Dare also said lives had been lost on the highway and urged motorists to comply with the speed restriction and other safety measures.
He disclosed that police deployment along the route had been increased following discussions with the Works Minister.
Authorities will also intensify enforcement against illegally parked trucks, unauthorised U-turns and prohibited vehicles, according to the controller.
Dare said motorcycles and tricycles had been banned from the highway, adding that more than 100 commercial motorcycle riders were arrested on the route in the previous week.
The government is also confronting vandalism of infrastructure along the highway.
According to Dare, about five kilometres of clear-view fencing and drainage covers spanning approximately 18 kilometres had been removed, while directional signs and other installations had also been vandalised.
He said the ministry was considering replacing clear-view fencing with block walls in areas repeatedly affected by vandalism.
The controller further announced plans to tackle illegal settlements, roadside trading and animal grazing along the highway, saying at least 10 unauthorised settlements had been identified for removal.
The government is also considering the installation of CCTV cameras to improve surveillance.
Dare said 40 coastal guards had been approved for the first section of the highway, with communities along the route expected to nominate personnel who would work alongside the police. Their recruitment and deployment are expected to be completed within two weeks.
Truck operators using the Gypsy Port area as a parking facility were also warned to remove their vehicles, with a joint task force expected to begin enforcement.
Dare said the road component of the first section had been completed, while construction work on bridges remained ongoing.
The latest warning follows an earlier indication by the Federal Government that the highway could be closed over safety concerns.
In January, Umahi said the ministry had considered shutting the Lagos section after a construction worker died on Section One of the highway.
According to the minister, the government had also considered closing the road in December, but President Bola Tinubu directed that it remain open to ease traffic.
“We were tempted to close the coastal highway in December, but the president directed that we should not,” Umahi said at the time.
Dare said the project remained within its three-year contract period and urged motorists, residents and other road users to comply with safety and security directives as enforcement is intensified.
