Umahi Bans Okadas, Keke & Hawkers On Lagos-Calabar Highway

Minister of Works David Umahi has directed authorities to halt the use of motorcycles, tricycles, hawking and other unauthorised activities along sections of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.

According to Ireporter Online, Umahi issued the directive on Sunday during a press conference and stakeholders’ engagement on the coastal highway in Lagos, where he also flagged off rehabilitation works on the Eko Bridge and Marine Bridge.

The minister expressed concern over the alleged removal and destruction of construction materials along parts of the highway, including blocks, reinforcement rods and fencing materials.

He instructed the Works Controller in Lagos to ensure that motorcycles, tricycles, hawkers and people engaging in unauthorised activities were removed from the highway.

Umahi said the continued occupation of the project corridor could undermine the safety and progress of the infrastructure development, stressing that such activities must be stopped.

He also raised concerns over reports of people loitering and sleeping on the highway at night, describing the situation as unacceptable for a major national infrastructure project.

The minister further called on the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to strengthen security around strategic national infrastructure and ensure that facilities under construction are adequately protected.

Umahi disclosed that the Ministry of Works had also opened its ongoing projects to scrutiny by relevant anti-corruption agencies as part of efforts to promote transparency and accountability.

The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is a 750-kilometre, 10-lane project designed to link Lagos with Cross River State through Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers and Akwa Ibom states.

The Federal Government has described the highway as a major transportation project expected to improve connectivity, ease pressure on existing road networks and stimulate economic activities along Nigeria’s coastal corridor.