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Nigeria’s new Lagos‑Calabar Coastal Highway aims to link the west and southeast, spanning 700 km with an estimated $11‑12.5 billion price tag.
The federal government has begun construction of the Lagos‑Calabar Coastal Highway, a 700‑kilometre road that will run from Victoria Island in Lagos to Calabar in Cross River State [1]. The project, launched in March 2024, is slated to cost between $11 billion and $12.5 billion and is intended to boost cross‑country connectivity and trade [1].
Key takeaways
The Lagos‑Calabar Coastal Highway is planned to pass through Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states before terminating in Calabar [1]. The first construction phase, a 47.47‑kilometre stretch from Lagos, began in March 2024 under the Federal Ministry of Works, with the contract awarded to Hitech Construction Company Ltd [1]. On 26 May 2025, President Bola Tinubu commissioned a 30‑kilometre Section 1, running from Ahmadu Bello Way to Eleko Junction, marking the first public unveiling of the project [1].
The highway’s projected cost—between $11 billion and $12.5 billion (approximately N14‑15.6 trillion at 2024 exchange rates)—has drawn criticism given Nigeria’s broader economic constraints [1]. Observers have also raised concerns about the speed of legislative approval and the awarding of contracts to firms linked to the president [1]. Environmental groups warn that the route cuts through sensitive ecosystems, including wetlands, mangroves, and the Niger Delta swamp forests, potentially causing deforestation, soil erosion and disruption of wildlife corridors [1]. Additionally, demolition of homes and businesses, such as parts of Landmark Leisure Beach, has sparked local opposition [1].
If completed, the highway could significantly shorten travel times between Nigeria’s western and southeastern regions, fostering trade and tourism as intended by the government [1]. However, the project’s high cost, environmental risks, and the perception of premature political celebration underscore the need for transparent financing and robust impact assessments. The next phases will determine whether the corridor can deliver its promised economic benefits while mitigating the social and ecological concerns raised by critics.
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AI-assisted synthesis by the TrendWatcher Editorial Desk · sourced from 2 outlets · Jun 12, 2026 · How we report
Ondo is a traditional style of Japanese folk dance that is frequently performed during community festivals and celebrations.
Ondo State is experiencing significant land loss due to ocean surges and rising sea levels, which have severely impacted coastal settlements like Aiyetoro.
Environmental groups and campaigners warn that the highway is highly vulnerable to rising sea levels, though project developers have outlined plans for seawalls and natural defenses to mitigate these risks.