The Federal Government has issued a two-week ultimatum for motorists and other road users to comply with safety regulations on the Lagos section of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, warning that the route could be shut if the situation does not improve.
The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Olufemi Dare, gave the warning on Monday, September 21, during an inspection of ongoing construction works along the highway.
Dare said the possible closure followed a directive from the Minister of Works, David Umahi, in response to repeated safety violations, vandalism and other unauthorised activities on the road.
He identified speeding, illegal parking by trucks and articulated vehicles, unauthorised U-turns, the use of motorcycles and tricycles, roadside trading and other activities as major concerns threatening both motorists and the highway infrastructure.
According to him, some motorists have been driving at speeds of up to 120km/h on sections where construction is still ongoing, despite a clearly displayed 30km/h speed limit.
He stressed that continued disregard for the rules was putting lives at risk and warned that the government would be forced to take stricter action if compliance did not improve.
Dare said the government would return within two weeks to assess the situation and could close the Lagos section of the coastal highway if the identified safety problems persist.
