Amanze Chinonye
Nigeria’s government has given road users on the Lagos section of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway two weeks to comply with safety regulations or face closure, citing speeding, vandalism and other violations.
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Federal Controller of Works in Lagos Olufemi Dare issued the warning on Monday after inspecting the highway, saying Works Minister David Umahi had directed officials to return in two weeks and shut the road if there was no significant improvement.
“Within two weeks, if there’s no improvement on all these issues, then we have no option than to come back and shut down this road,” Dare told reporters.
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The Lagos section of the highway spans about 103 km and comprises two sections of 47.47 km and 56 km. It includes 20 major bridges, several of which are still under construction.
Dare said motorists were required to observe a 30-km-per-hour speed limit because construction was ongoing, but some drivers had been travelling at speeds of up to 120 km per hour.
He cited illegal U-turns, roadside trading, animal grazing and the parking of trucks and other articulated vehicles among the safety concerns. Commercial motorcycles and tricycles are also prohibited on the highway.
More than 100 commercial motorcycle riders were arrested on the route during the previous week, Dare said, adding that authorities would tow trucks and trailers parked along the highway.
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Vandalism has also affected safety infrastructure. Dare said about 5 km of ClearVu fencing had been removed and concrete covers vandalised or taken away along an estimated 18-km stretch. About 150 directional signs had also reportedly been removed.
The government is considering replacing vulnerable sections of steel fencing with concrete barriers and installing closed-circuit television cameras. It also plans to deploy 40 coastal guards along the first section in collaboration with local communities and security agencies.
Police presence along the route is also being increased following discussions between the works ministry and the Lagos State Police Command, Dare said.
If the highway is closed, the Lekki-Epe corridor would serve as an alternative route, he added.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
