FG Warns Lagos Coastal Highway Could Close Over Speeding, Vandalism
The Federal Government has warned that the Lagos section of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway could be closed if speeding, vandalism and other safety violations continue along the route.
Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State Olufemi Dare issued the warning during an inspection on September 21, saying authorities would review conditions after two weeks.
The warning does not mean the highway has been closed.
Dare said the road remains under construction and that a shutdown could be considered if safety conditions fail to improve.
Motorists warned over speeding
The Federal Government says a 30 km/h speed limit applies along the construction corridor.
Officials have raised concerns about motorists exceeding the limit, illegal truck parking, unauthorised U-turns, motorcycles and tricycles, roadside trading and animal grazing.
Dare said motorists were being allowed to use sections of the highway even though construction, including bridge works, remained incomplete.
If a shutdown is eventually ordered, he identified the Lekki-Epe Expressway as an alternative route.
Government reports vandalism along corridor
Vandalism is another concern cited by federal officials.
Dare said about five kilometres of ClearVu protective fencing had been removed and concrete covers vandalised along roughly 18 kilometres of the route.
Reports from the inspection also documented damage to or removal of other road infrastructure.
The government is considering CCTV surveillance and stronger barriers at vulnerable locations.
Dare also said the government planned to deploy 40 coastal guards for Section 1, working with police and communities to strengthen surveillance along the corridor.
Warning stops short of shutdown order
The immediate issue for motorists is compliance with safety controls on a highway that remains under construction.
For authorities, the next test is whether enforcement, surveillance and repairs reduce the violations identified during the inspection.
A shutdown would require a further government decision.
Until such an order is issued, the established position is that the Lagos section remains open under a conditional warning that it could be closed if conditions fail to improve.