Nigeria launches 700‑km Lagos‑Calabar coastal highway project

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 highway will traverse eight Nigerian states, linking Lagos to Calabar [1].
• Construction started in March 2024 with an initial 47.47 km phase in Lagos [1].
• Estimated total cost is $11‑12.5 billion, sparking debate over fiscal priorities [1].
• Environmental concerns include potential damage to wetlands, mangroves, and the Niger Delta swamp forests [1].
• Critics argue the project’s early commissioning may be premature and politically motivated [1].

Scope and progress of the coastal corridor

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].

Controversies and challenges

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].

Why it matters

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.