The Nigerian Government has realigned Sections 3A and 3B of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, covering Akwa Ibom and Cross River States in southern Nigeria, extending it from 65 kilometres to 72 kilometres to bypass a 19-kilometre swamp.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi announced the adjustment during an inspection of the Akwa Ibom State axis of the project.
He said the move was aimed at reducing construction risks, controlling costs, and guaranteeing the long-term durability of the strategic road.
Umahi described the swamp terrain as “terrible” and unsafe for direct construction, noting that “the realignment was a proactive engineering decision to prevent future road failure and avoid wasting public funds while fast-tracking delivery.”
“We had to shift the alignment because of the condition of the soil. Continuing through that swamp would have endangered the road itself. This realignment will help us control cost and ensure durability,” he said.
The Minister also directed HITECH Construction Company to commence 24-hour work on the Akwa Ibom State axis of the coastal highway to expedite completion and bring Section 3B in line with other sections.
He further said, “I commend Hitech highly for their partnership, working day and night without immediate payment. The company aims to deliver in 24 months, not 36. I direct Hitech to commence 24-hour work here, start landscaping with trees, and install solar lights for security.”
Umahi reaffirmed, “The government is working to resolve payment for all contractors. We are committed to taking courageous decisions to build a lasting road, not minding critics. We are building a legacy for the next generation, regardless of political affiliation.”
According to him, the coastal highway is a non-negotiable national asset and a key driver of Nigeria’s industrial future, stating: “This highway will be an economic catalyst. It is not negotiable. It is critical to the industrial revolution of this country.”
The Minister commended HITECH for its exceptional commitment to the project, noting that the company had continued work without immediate payment.
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He assured Contractors of the Ministry’s preparedness to clear outstanding payments, hinting that President Bola Tinubu had approved the settlement of certificates for the coastal highway and other major road projects across the country, following the transfer of funding responsibility from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to the Ministry of Finance.
Earlier, the Federal Controller of Works in Akwa Ibom State, Vincent Okoduwa, briefed the minister on the extent of earthworks completed on the 41-kilometre stretch, revealing that construction activities had gained significant momentum.
He said the project team had already completed three major culverts, a twin culvert and a triple culvert, and about 30 kilometres of the corridor cleared, assuring: “By the grace of God, this work will be completed within the approved period.”
Also speaking, the Managing Director of HITECH Construction Company Limited, Dany Aboud, disclosed that a new engineering design had been adopted to minimise the number of bridges required along Sections 3A and 3B.
He explained, “This realignment increased the total length to 71.4 kilometres—41 kilometres in Akwa Ibom and the remaining distance in Cross River, while reducing the cost of bridges and ensuring better routing.”
He said that work had reached kilometre nine, with about eight kilometres of swampy terrain left to be cleared to make the entire 71.4-kilometre corridor accessible.
“We have challenges, especially with climate and rainfall. But we are committed to completing this project ahead of the allotted time,” the Minister said.
Speaking on behalf of the National Assembly Joint Committee on Works, the Chairman, Senator Barry Mpigi, reaffirmed the legislature’s commitment to funding and oversight of the project.
A political stakeholder in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Otunba Segun Showunmi, who is also the National Leader of the Alternative Movement, said the tour was an eye-opener to the economic potential of the highway for tourism and regional development.