The Nigerian Government has warned that the Lagos section of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway could be shut within two weeks if motorists fail to comply with safety rules and conditions along the route do not improve.
The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Olufemi Dare, gave the warning on Monday during an inspection of the highway, citing persistent safety violations, vandalism and other illegal activities.
Dare said the 103-kilometre Lagos stretch remains under construction, with several bridges still being built. He urged motorists to obey the 30km per hour speed limit, warning that excessive speeding had contributed to frequent accidents and loss of lives.
He said, “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.”
The controller also warned truck operators against parking on the highway and said illegal U-turns would attract prosecution. Motorcycles, tricycles, hawking and animal grazing are also prohibited.
Dare said police deployment had been increased, while authorities were considering CCTV cameras and stronger barriers to tackle vandalism. He disclosed that about five kilometres of ClearVu fencing and 18 kilometres of concrete covers had been removed.
He added that 40 coastal guards had been approved for the first section of the highway to work with the police on community-level surveillance, with more personnel expected for the second section.
