By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
Lagos — December 11, 2025
Nigerians will from tomorrow, Friday, December 12, 2025, begin enjoying easier movement along the ongoing Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway project as the Federal Government prepares to temporarily open Section 1 of the corridor, linking Ahmadu Bello Way on Victoria Island to the Eleko Village Junction.
The Federal Ministry of Works, in a formal invitation signed by the Federal Controller of Works, Lagos, Engr. O.E. Dare, announced that the temporary opening is in obedience to the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aimed at easing traffic during the 2025 festive season.
According to the ministry, the brief ceremony will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, with top government officials, engineers, and stakeholders expected to attend.
A Boost for Festive Traffic Flow
The Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, estimated to span over 700 kilometres on completion, is one of Nigeria’s most ambitious infrastructure projects in decades. Friday’s opening is expected to provide immediate relief to motorists who have endured months of diversions and construction-related bottlenecks along the Ibeju-Lekki axis.
Residents, businesses, and commuters will now be able to drive directly from Ahmadu Bello Way into Eleko, a development many say will significantly reduce travel time into the Lekki–Epe corridor.
Transport analysts believe the partial opening will also help decongest alternative routes including the Lekki–Epe Expressway, which has been under strain due to construction activities and increased population movements within the fast-growing Lekki peninsula.
Presidential Directive Driving Progress
A senior ministry official who spoke on background said President Tinubu issued a directive that major strategic roads must be accessible during the holiday period to reduce nationwide traffic pressure.
“The President is keen on ensuring that Nigerians travel with ease this festive season, especially in key cities like Lagos where gridlock intensifies,” the official said.
The Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway is part of a national infrastructure drive intended to strengthen commerce, boost tourism, and open new economic corridors along the nation’s southern coastline.
Stakeholder Reactions
Local government leaders, including the Executive Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki, Hon. (Engr.) Abdullahi Sesan Olowa, have been invited to witness the opening. Community leaders in Eleko and surrounding areas described the development as a “welcome relief” and a sign that the highway, once criticized for disruptions, is beginning to offer tangible benefits.
Business owners in Victoria Island and Lekki also expressed optimism that the measure would support smoother logistics ahead of Christmas and New Year activities.
A Major Milestone in a Landmark Project
Section 1 of the coastal highway has been one of the most technically demanding stages due to its urban location and environmental considerations. The temporary opening marks a milestone in the multi-year project being delivered in phases.
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The Federal Ministry of Works assured the public that construction will continue even as the route is opened for controlled use, with safety personnel stationed along the corridor.
