The Federal Government has indicated its intention to impose an average toll fee of N3,000 per toll gate for vehicles utilizing the Lagos-Calabar coastal road upon completion.
This figure was confirmed by the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, during an appearance on Channels Television’s program “The Morning Brief” on Thursday, April 11, 2024.
While addressing concerns about the project’s budgeted cost, Umahi asserted that the investment would be recouped within 15 years.
Toll Gate Facilities
Umahi outlined that the toll gates would feature security measures and facilities such as filling stations and restaurants.
He stated, “At every point of tolling, we also have toll stations where we have relief activities: restaurants, filling stations, parking lots, and so on. So, people will now have confidence. In these sections, we intend to put CCTV all through.”
Project Timeline and Cost
Regarding the construction timeline, Umahi mentioned that the Lagos-Calabar coastal road project is expected to take eight years to complete, coinciding with President Bola Tinubu’s tenure.
He disclosed that each kilometre of the coastal road would cost N4 billion, attributing the government’s prudence for enabling such a cost-effective approach.
Key Points to Note
- The Lagos-Calabar highway project was unveiled on September 23, 2023.
- Phase one of the project, spanning 47.47 kilometres from Lagos, was awarded to Hitech Construction Company Ltd.
- The highway project aims to connect Lagos to Cross River, traversing several coastal states.
- The decision to award the contract without competitive bidding had drawn criticism, prompting a response from the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
- Umahi assured that the total cost breakdown of the project would be disclosed to the public.
- Despite commodity price inflation and supply chain disruptions, the Ministry of Works remains committed to delivering road projects focusing on prudence, cost-effectiveness, and quality.
