The commencement of the construction of sections 3 and 4 of the Lagos-Calabar highway in August 2024 demonstrates the Nigerian government’s determination to expedite this extensive project, which is expected to take approximately 8 years to complete.
Upcoming Phases and Current Progress
The Nigerian government plans to initiate the construction of sections 3 and 4 of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway next August, while the construction of sections 1 and 2 is already underway.
Section 3 will cover a 27 km stretch from Cross Rivers to Akwa Ibom, whereas section 4 will span 80 km, primarily within Akwa Ibom State.
Details of Initial Sections
The first two sections extend from Lagos to the Lekki Deep Sea Port (47.4 km) and from the port to the new Dangote Refinery.
This project, with an estimated budget of nearly 15 trillion nairas (9.8 billion USD), aims to create the country’s largest highway network, approximately 700 km in length, connecting not only the aforementioned states but also Ogun, Ondo, Delta, and Bayelsa.
National Transportation Plan
This infrastructure development is part of the national transportation plan, which includes significant investments in the construction and renovation of various roadways across the country.
The authorities are seeking 35 billion USD in funding to start constructing 30,000 km of concrete roads, which will enhance the national road network density and address the country’s infrastructural deficits, particularly in transportation.