The Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway will be tolled immediately it is completed and inaugurated, the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, has said.
Umahi said this on Saturday in Lagos during an inspection tour of the ongoing highway project, stressing that tolling is an integral part of the construction package awarded to the contractor.
“I must emphasise that this road is going to be tolled, and by the contractor. It is part of the package,” the minister said. “I will be inviting the contractor to present the programme. I don’t want to open this road permanently for traffic and then begin discussions on tolling.”
According to him, the contractor is expected to submit a clear implementation programme and commence the installation of tolling infrastructure before the end of April.
“The contractor has to give us the programme and begin to build the infrastructure before the end of April. So, we have to toll this route as soon as it is completed and commissioned,” Umahi added.
On concerns about cost implications arising from the realignment of the highway, the minister ruled out any further increase in the project budget.
“We have concluded the re-measurements, and given the many challenges facing the country, there is no room for further budget increases. We have gone through the Bureau of Public Procurement, and there is no opening to increase the project cost,” he said.
Umahi revealed that the project had already recorded an increment of about ₦170 billion due to several unforeseen challenges, including diversions to protect high-rise buildings at the initial stage, extensive shore protection works, and the evacuation of massive refuse dumps.
“We encountered refuse dumps as deep as 15 metres, stretching over several kilometres, as well as shore protection challenges. These factors led to the ₦170 billion increment,” he explained.
He noted that the contractor, Hitech Construction Company, would bear additional risks associated with the project as part of its contribution to national development.
“Hitech has to take this risk, and that is part of its contribution to building our nationnan
