The Federal Government has given motorists and other road users on the Lagos section of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway a two-week ultimatum to comply with safety regulations or risk the closure of the route.
The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Olufemi Dare, issued the warning on Monday during an inspection of the highway.
Dare said the directive followed persistent violations along the road, including speeding, illegal parking, unauthorised U-turns, roadside trading, vandalism and the use of motorcycles and tricycles.
He said the Minister of Works, David Umahi, had directed that the highway be shut if there was no significant improvement after the two-week period.
“Within two weeks, if there’s no improvement on all these issues, then we have no option than to come back and shut down this road,” Dare said.
The Federal Government said the coastal highway remains under construction, particularly around some of the bridges, and that motorists are expected to observe the prescribed speed limit of 30 kilometres per hour.
Dare expressed concern that some motorists were driving at speeds of up to 120km/h on sections where construction activities are still ongoing.
The Lagos section of the highway stretches about 103 kilometres and consists of two sections measuring approximately 47.47km and 56km respectively. The project includes 20 major bridges, with 10 planned for each section.
The government also raised concerns over vandalism, saying road infrastructure has been removed or damaged along parts of the highway. Reports from the inspection indicated that directional signs, manhole covers and sections of fencing had been vandalised or stolen.
Dare further warned against illegal parking by trucks and articulated vehicles, roadside trading, illegal U-turns and the operation of motorcycles and tricycles on the highway.
He said the government would intensify enforcement of the rules and urged road users to comply with the directives to prevent the closure of the route.
The Lekki-Epe Expressway was identified as an alternative route should the government eventually proceed with the shutdown.
