By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Correspondent
THE FEDERAL Government has granted approval for the temporary opening of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway following a truck accident in the Chisco area of Lekki on Monday, which triggered severe traffic gridlock.
The partial reopening aims to restore traffic flow and ease movement along the congested corridor.
Now, section 1 of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, spanning 47 kilometres from the Ahmadu Bello Way junction to Eleko Village junction, has been temporarily opened to vehicular traffic.
Minister of Works, Mr Dave Umahi, confirmed on Friday that the move was implemented under the directive of President Bola Tinubu.
The temporary opening is intended to ensure smoother access and improved traffic flow across Lagos, particularly during the festive period.
Speaking in Lagos, Umahi noted that the partial reopening of the highway fulfilled a previous promise made by the government.
During an inspection tour of the coastal highway project on November 23, 2025, he had assured that Section 1 would be completed and opened to traffic between December 12 and 17, 2025.
The reopening is expected to significantly reduce the travel challenges faced by commuters in the Lekki-Ajah corridor.
Officials estimate that travel time and costs along the affected route could drop by over 100 per cent, improving the commuting experience ahead of the festive season.
Umahi further stated that April 2026 has been earmarked for the completion of Section 1 and half of Section 2 of the highway for full commissioning.
However, the bridges, which fall under Section 2 contracts, will be excluded from this timeline.
