The Federal Government has condemned acts of vandalism along the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, warning that perpetrators will face immediate prosecution.
The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, issued the warning during an inspection tour of the project in Lagos, where he raised concerns over the cutting of metal fences, illegal opening of manholes, and dumping of refuse along the corridor.
Umahi commended the Lagos State Commissioner of Police and the Inspector-General of Police for deploying patrol vehicles to safeguard the highway. He disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Works would support security operations with fuel and allowances to strengthen round-the-clock patrols.
“Anyone caught vandalising government property should be charged to court immediately,” the minister said, adding that a seven-member team of Senior Advocates of Nigeria had been assembled to handle any litigation related to the project.
He described the destruction of metal fencing and the removal of manhole covers for refuse disposal as unacceptable, noting that temporary measures would be introduced to seal the manholes and prevent further abuse.
The minister also attributed flooding recorded on some sections of the highway to refuse dumped into drainage channels, urging residents to take ownership of the project and protect public infrastructure.
“We are doing everything possible to deliver quality work. We may not be perfect, but we are giving our best engineering effort on this project,” he stated.
Umahi further called on Nigerians to support the administration of President Bola Tinubu, saying it remains committed to rebuilding the nation’s infrastructure and economy.
According to him, improvements in key economic indicators — including naira stability, foreign reserves of about $49 billion, and a reduction in inflation to around 15 per cent — signal gradual economic recovery.
He urged citizens to remain united and back ongoing efforts to deliver critical infrastructure projects nationwide.