By Micah Jonah | January 24, 2026
The Federal Government has warned that Section One of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway could be closed to traffic if motorists continue to endanger lives, disrupt ongoing construction work.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, spoke in Lagos while addressing cases of vandalism on the Third Mainland Bridge. He explained that the highway had been temporarily opened during the Christmas period to ease traffic and improve commuter movement.
Umahi noted that traffic indiscipline, such as driving against traffic, excessive speeding, had worsened conditions, leading to fatalities and congestion. “You will recall what happened during the Christmas period when motorists drove against traffic. We recorded one death and experienced serious traffic congestion due to indiscipline,” he said.
The Minister disclosed that the government considered closing the road in December, but President Bola Tinubu directed that it remain open. However, the situation deteriorated further when a contractor’s worker was killed after being hit by a speeding vehicle. The vehicle reportedly knocked down two concrete solar poles before hitting the worker.
Umahi assured he would meet with contractors to address safety concerns, emphasizing that construction could be suspended if workers’ lives were not adequately protected. He also confirmed that the Ministry of Works would collaborate with the Lagos State Government, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), and security agencies to deploy personnel to manage traffic and secure the construction zones.
The Minister warned that if traffic violations persist for another week, the Federal Government would have no option but to close Section One of the highway until construction is completed. “The choice is for all of us to make,” he said.
Umahi further clarified reports that buildings were marked for demolition along the completed corridor of the coastal road. He apologised to residents, explaining that the markings were errors and not ordered by the Federal Ministry of Works. He added that only vacant Federal Government lands, including areas within 250 metres of the shoreline, were being processed for acquisition in coordination with the Lagos State Government.
