The Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway under construction will include relief stations, solar-powered lighting, and CCTV cameras to boost safety and ensure rapid emergency responses (within 10 minutes).
The announcement was made by David Umahi, Minister of Works, during an inspection of the Calabar–Itu Road and Sections 3A and 3B — a 71.4-kilometre part of the total 750-kilometre highway being built through HITECH Africa Construction Company Limited. The road uses continuously reinforced concrete pavement.
Minister Umahi praised the contractor for adhering to high standards, using modern equipment and skilled personnel, calling the firm a key development partner for Nigeria’s infrastructure progress.
According to him, strategic placement of the relief facilities will support travel safety and security agencies. He also credited Bola Tinubu, President of Nigeria, for championing the project — a vision he began pursuing more than 27 years ago as Governor of Lagos State.
The Managing Director of HITECH, Dany Aboud, said more manpower and resources would be deployed to ensure delivery of the segments within the 36-month contract period.
Other officials — among them the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, the Federal Controller of Works in Cross River, and a representative of the Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency — commended the quality of work and pledged support. Compensation amounting to N1 billion has already been paid to between 700 and 1,000 people from 12 communities affected by the project in Akamkpa and Odukpani Local Government Areas, and payments are ongoing.