The Federal Government has given motorists and other road users on the Lagos section of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway a two-week ultimatum to comply with safety regulations or risk the closure of the route.
The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Olufemi Dare, issued the warning on Monday during an inspection of the highway, citing reckless driving, vandalism, illegal parking and other activities threatening the safety of motorists and ongoing construction work.
Dare said the directive followed concerns raised by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, over persistent violations along the highway.
He stressed that motorists must observe the prescribed speed limit of 30km/h, particularly in areas where construction activities are still ongoing. According to him, some drivers have been travelling at speeds of up to 100km/h and 120km/h despite the warning.
The Lagos section of the coastal highway stretches about 103 kilometres, divided into two sections of approximately 47km and 56km. The route also has 20 major bridges, several of which are still under construction.
The government is also targeting illegal truck and trailer parking, unauthorised U-turns, commercial motorcycles, tricycles, hawking, animal grazing and illegal settlements along the highway.
Dare further disclosed that vandalism had become a major concern, with about five kilometres of ClearVu fencing reportedly removed and concrete covers along an 18-kilometre stretch vandalised and taken away.
To improve security, the government said police deployment along the route would be increased, while plans are also being considered for the installation of CCTV cameras. The government has additionally approved 40 coastal guards for the first section of the highway to support security operations.
Dare warned that if there is no significant improvement after the two-week period, the government may shut the highway and direct motorists to use the Lekki-Epe corridor as an alternative route.
He urged motorists and other road users to obey the regulations, stressing that the highway remains an active construction corridor where safety must be prioritised.
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