Sunday February 22, 2026
www.thenewsdesk.ng
The Federal Government has strongly condemned acts of vandalism along the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, warning that those responsible will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Speaking during an inspection of the project on Saturday in Lagos, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, expressed concern over repeated incidents involving the cutting of metal safety fences, the opening of manholes, and the indiscriminate dumping of refuse on the highway.
Umahi disclosed that additional security measures had been put in place following collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, noting that patrol vehicles had already been deployed to safeguard the project corridor.
He added that the Federal Ministry of Works would provide logistical support, including fuel and allowances, to strengthen routine patrols.
“Anyone apprehended vandalising public infrastructure must be charged to court without delay,” the minister said, revealing that a seven-member team of Senior Advocates of Nigeria had been assembled to handle any legal issues relating to the project.
He described the destruction of metal barriers and the use of open manholes as refuse dumps as completely unacceptable, stressing that temporary solutions would be implemented to seal exposed drainage points and prevent further abuse.
Umahi also explained that recent flooding observed on sections of the highway was largely due to blocked drainage systems caused by refuse dumping.
He appealed to residents and road users to see the project as a shared public asset that must be protected.
“We are committed to delivering quality infrastructure. While no project is without challenges, we are deploying our best engineering expertise to ensure success,” he said.
The minister further called on Nigerians to support the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, maintaining that ongoing reforms were yielding positive results. He cited improved naira stability, foreign reserves nearing 49 billion dollars, and a reported decline in inflation to about 15 per cent as indicators of economic recovery.
Umahi urged citizens to remain united and continue supporting government efforts aimed at developing critical infrastructure nationwide, describing public cooperation as essential to national progress.