Coastal Highway Project Clarifies Rail Integration Amidst Public Scrutiny
Recent observations and public discourse surrounding the ambitious Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway project have prompted the Federal Government to issue a detailed clarification regarding the integration of railway tracks. While videos of the ongoing construction, particularly around the densely developed Lekki Deep Seaport axis in Lagos, have shown sections seemingly lacking provision for a central rail line, officials have affirmed that the railway component remains a fundamental aspect of the project’s design. The apparent discrepancy, they explain, is a direct consequence of land availability constraints in highly urbanized areas.
The Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, a flagship infrastructure initiative that commenced construction in 2024, is envisioned as a transformative artery connecting Nigeria’s southern coastline. Its primary objectives are to significantly enhance connectivity, stimulate trade, and bolster tourism along this vital economic corridor. A key element of this vision, as previously articulated by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, is the incorporation of a railway line running through the highway’s median, facilitating a multi-modal transportation network.
Minister Umahi had previously emphasized the President’s keen focus on road infrastructure, stating, “Don’t forget that this Coastal Highway and, of course, the four Legacy Projects all have the train track incorporated. The construction of the train track for this section is going to take off in 2025.” This statement underscored the government’s commitment to the rail component as an integral part of the highway’s functionality.
However, concerns were amplified following the circulation of social media content, notably from urban development commentators such as @justozed and @iamgbolahan. These visual accounts highlighted sections of the highway, stretching from Chainage Zero near Eko Atlantic to Chainage Nine around the Jakande area, which appeared to lack the anticipated wide median for a railway. This observation extended across Victoria Island, parts of the Lekki corridor, and even some sections under construction from the Calabar end. The visual evidence suggested parallel carriageways with minimal central space, leading to public questioning of the project’s design integrity.
In response to these queries, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Olufemi Dare, provided an in-depth explanation regarding the observed variations. During an interview, Dare confirmed that the railway component is indeed part of the overarching project design. However, he elaborated that its implementation along the initial stretch of the road, from Chainage Zero to Chainage Nine, was rendered unfeasible due to the existing high density of development.
“The railway tracks are part of the design. And I will explain it. From Chainage Zero, where the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway starts at Eko Atlantic, to Chainage Nine around the Jakande area, there will be no railway tracks because we do not have the necessary expanse of land,” Dare stated. He further elaborated that the area encompassing Eko Atlantic, Victoria Island, and significant portions of Lekki is already extensively built up, leaving insufficient space to accommodate a rail line alongside the highway.
Dare clarified, “And that is why when you go there, you won’t see the space for the train there, because that place is a well-built-up area, and we only managed to build the road there, and that is why there is no space for a train. It is part of the design, but there is no space for a train on that axis.” He reiterated that the existing infrastructure in this zone meant that engineers had to prioritize the road construction itself, making the inclusion of a rail line impossible due to land constraints.
Crucially, Dare assured that the absence of rail provision is limited to this specific segment. He confirmed that from Chainage Nine onwards, the design explicitly incorporates a central railway line that will extend through the remainder of the project. “The railway tracks will start from Chainage Nine, which is around the Jakande area, and continue to the end of the road construction. There will also be a railway station in that area,” he announced.
To accommodate the rail infrastructure from Chainage Nine onwards, Dare explained that a substantial 20-meter-wide space has been meticulously allocated between the two carriageways. This generous provision is intended to house the railway line, ensuring its seamless integration into the highway. “You will see a 20-meter gap in the middle. That is the space allotted for the train to pass. It was purposely designed that way because that is where we have sufficient land,” he added.
Dare emphasized that the first nine kilometers of the Lagos alignment represent the sole section of the highway that will not feature railway track provisions. “The first 9km is the only place where you will not find space for railway tracks. From Chainage Nine to the end of the road project, the design is for railway tracks in the middle,” he reiterated, aiming to dispel any lingering doubts about the project’s overall commitment to rail integration.
Regarding similar design queries originating from the Calabar end of the project, Dare stated that his purview is limited to the Lagos section. He indicated that he could not speak with authority on the specifics of the Calabar segment, noting, “I do not know much about the Calabar end; I have never been there. But for the Lagos section, for which I am the controller, that is the explanation.”
The Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway’s expansive route is slated to traverse multiple states along Nigeria’s Atlantic coastline, ultimately linking Lagos to Cross River State. This monumental project has been met with a mixture of optimism regarding its significant economic potential and rigorous scrutiny concerning its substantial cost, potential environmental impacts, and intricate engineering design.
The planned route commences at Victoria Island, in proximity to Eko Atlantic City, and proceeds through key areas including the Lekki Coastal Road, Lekki Free Trade Zone, and the Dangote Refinery. Its path will connect states such as Ogun, Ondo, Delta, and Edo before reaching Calabar. The initial design envisions a ten-lane highway, featuring the central rail lines and innovative construction techniques, including 11-inch-thick concrete roads reinforced with 20-millimeter steel for enhanced durability.
The complete realization of the highway is anticipated to span eight years, with construction phases being undertaken concurrently once all procurement, approvals, and procedural requirements are finalized. The project’s phased completion will enable the gradual opening of sections for public use and toll collection, thereby contributing to the nation’s infrastructure development and fostering regional economic growth.
In a significant development in December 2025, the Federal Government announced the temporary opening of Section One, Phase One of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, a 47.47-kilometer segment. Concurrently, it was revealed that $1.26 billion in financing had been secured for the execution of Section Two of the project’s first phase, signaling continued momentum for this critical national infrastructure undertaking.
