The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has described the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project as a magnificent infrastructure that inspires a longing for heaven due to its breathtaking beauty.
Umahi made this known while speaking during an interview on Arise Television over the weekend, where he gave an update on the ongoing construction of the 750km highway project.
According to him, the aesthetic appeal of the coastal road is so captivating that it leaves one imagining how beautiful the streets of heaven would be.
“I was there; I was so, so excited and I said if the street of coastal highway can be this beautiful, how beautiful will the streets of heaven look? It makes us want to do better and make heaven; it is a beautiful place,” Umahi remarked.
Providing details on the project, the Minister said the first 30km section of the road would be ready for commissioning by President Bola Tinubu on May 25, 2025.
He added that the road was constructed at a raised level to withstand anticipated ocean flooding, though this adjustment has affected nearby buildings, prompting the construction of retaining walls along the route.
Umahi explained that the first section spans 47.47km and features six lanes — three lanes on each carriageway — with a 12-metre-wide train track positioned in the median, alongside bridges and other infrastructure.
The project, which commenced in March 2024, is expected to be completed within 36 months.
The Minister also disclosed that the next phase of construction will commence soon in different parts of the country, including the Calabar axis on April 14, Akwa Ibom on April 15, and Ebonyi State on April 16.