FG Threatens To Shut Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road In Two Weeks

The Federal Government has threatened to shut down the Lagos section of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway within two weeks if motorists and other road users fail to comply with safety regulations and ongoing violations are not reduced.

The warning was issued by the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Olufemi Dare, on Monday, September 21, 2026, following a directive from the Minister of Works, David Umahi. 

Dare said the decision followed persistent problems on the highway, including dangerous speeding, fatal accidents, illegal parking, vandalism, illegal U-turns and unauthorised activities.

According to the Federal Government, the highway has a 30km/h speed limit because construction is still ongoing, particularly around bridges. However, some motorists have reportedly been driving at speeds of 100–120km/h. 

The government also said lives were being lost on the road “almost every other day,” prompting increased police deployment along the route.

Other restrictions

The Federal Government has also banned or announced enforcement against:

• Okada motorcycles
• Tricycles/Keke Marwa
• Truck and trailer parking
• Illegal U-turns
• Hawking
• Animal grazing
• Shanties and illegal settlements

Officials said vehicles found parked illegally along the highway could be towed away, while offenders involved in illegal U-turns could face prosecution. 

Vandalism

Vandalism has also become a major concern. Dare said approximately 5 kilometres of ClearVu fencing had been removed, while about 18 kilometres of concrete covers had reportedly been vandalised and taken away. The government is considering replacing vulnerable sections of the fencing with concrete barriers and installing CCTV cameras. 

The Lagos section of the coastal highway covers about 103 kilometres, divided into two sections: approximately 47km from Ahodubule to Eleko Junction and 56km from Eleko Junction to Odo-Ome at the Lagos-Ogun boundary. It contains 20 major bridges, several of which are still under construction. 

The government says it will reassess the situation in two weeks. If there is no significant improvement, the Lagos section could be closed, with the Lekki-Epe Expressway available as an alternative route.