The Minister of Works, David Umahi, says the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway will be equipped with modern safety features including relief stations, solar-powered streetlights, and CCTV cameras to ensure safer travel and quicker emergency responses—targeted at under ten minutes.
Umahi revealed this on Sunday while inspecting the Calabar–Itu Road and Sections 3A and 3B of the 71.4-kilometre stretch of the 750-kilometre coastal highway currently being constructed in Cross River State.
The project, handled by HITECH Africa Construction Company Limited, is being built using continuously reinforced concrete pavement.
Speaking in Awi, Akamkpa Local Government Area, Umahi praised HITECH for maintaining high construction standards, using advanced equipment, and employing skilled workers. He called the company a major partner in Nigeria’s development journey.
He added, “This highway will have relief stations, solar lighting, and CCTV cameras placed at key points to improve safety and assist security agencies.” Umahi also commended President Bola Tinubu for driving the project—an idea he began nurturing over 27 years ago when he governed Lagos State.
HITECH’s Managing Director, Dany Aboud, thanked the President for his support and assured that more manpower and resources would be deployed to complete the project within the 36-month contract period.
Senator Mpigi Barinada, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, applauded the quality of work done so far, noting that the swampy terrain requires extensive earthwork, which reflects the project’s scale and cost.
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Alex Egbona, who represents Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency, said Cross River residents are pleased with the progress, especially after past disappointments from other federal agencies. He promised full support toward completing the project.
Federal Controller of Works in Cross River, Yinka Onafuye, also revealed that the Federal Government has paid N1 billion in compensation to affected persons. Between 700 and 1,000 people from 12 communities in Akamkpa and Odukpani LGAs have benefitted so far.
He added that compensation is ongoing and that those without bank accounts are being helped to open new ones so they can receive their payments smoothly.
