Nigeria Deploys Special Guards to Protect Lagos-Calabar Highway

Nigeria's Federal Government has launched a dedicated security force, the Coastal Highway Guards, to safeguard the ambitious Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, officially inaugurated the team on Sunday, comprising 40 officers tasked with protecting the 750-kilometer, 10-lane project.

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The Hon. Minister says this is not an ‘empowerment programme’. It is a full-time job to protect national assets of the government and in line with the Renewed Hope of Mr President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

The highway, which aims to connect Lagos to Cross River state, is under construction by Hitech Construction Company Limited. The newly appointed guards, led by retired General Adekunle Shodunke, will patrol the route, report suspicious activities, and prevent vandalism. Their duties also include stopping unauthorized users like motorcyclists and hawkers from accessing the road.

Minister Umahi stressed the seriousness of the assignment, stating it is a "full-time job to protect national assets" and not an "empowerment programme." He voiced strong concerns about recent incidents of vandalism, including the removal of construction materials and people sleeping on the highway. "This must stop," Umahi declared, directing officials to keep unauthorized users off the road.

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We have had very terrible, unpatriotic elements removing the blocks, breaking the fence, removing the rods and treading on the highway. This must stop.

The initiative also involves collaboration with other security agencies, including the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. The Ministry of Works has also opened its ongoing projects to scrutiny by anti-corruption agencies, signaling a commitment to transparency and asset protection.

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Last night, we were there with the National Assembly members by 11 pm; people were sleeping on the coastal highway. It must stop. No hawking, no occupation illegally along the entire coast.