The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has warned that individuals tampering with protective installations along the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway will face prosecution, describing the destruction of metal fences and the dumping of refuse into drainage systems as acts that put lives at risk.
Speaking during an inspection tour of the highway corridor on Saturday, Umahi said security agencies have been directed to apprehend offenders, while a team of senior lawyers has been assembled to handle legal action related to the project. He added that authorities are considering temporarily sealing drainage manholes to curb further abuse.
ENigeria Newspaper gathered that the minister stressed that vandalism along the corridor undermines public safety and threatens the integrity of a project he described as critical to national infrastructure renewal.
“It is wrong for anyone to cut the metal fence or open manholes to dump refuse. These actions endanger lives and damage public infrastructure,” he said.
Despite the concerns, Umahi expressed confidence in the pace of construction, announcing that the first section of the highway is on course for commissioning in May, subject to the outcome of engineering tests scheduled in the coming weeks.
He noted that a key stretch currently under construction is nearing completion and will soon allow smoother movement from Ahmadu Bello Way through Lekki, extending toward the Dangote Refinery axis as work advances on the adjoining section.
According to him, engineers had to overcome complex soil conditions in parts of the route, with excavation depths reaching significant levels before achieving stability. He explained that consolidation tests would determine the next phase of pavement laying, including the installation of continuously reinforced concrete.
Umahi commended the construction firm handling the project for absorbing additional costs arising from unforeseen ground conditions without requesting a review of the contract sum.
The highway, a flagship initiative of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, is designed to connect Lagos with states in the South-South and South-East regions. The minister said subsequent sections of the project are progressing steadily, with further milestones expected later in the year and bridge works projected for completion next year.
He also cautioned contractors against mismanaging mobilisation funds, warning that companies that have collected advance payments without returning to site would face sanctions. Payments, he said, would not be processed for firms that fail to meet their obligations.
“I will not pay your certificates if you are still holding our money for the past four or five years and want me to continue to pay,” Umahi said.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to infrastructure development, Umahi urged residents to protect public assets and support ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening connectivity and economic growth across the country.
