FG Deploys 40 Lagos - Calabar Coastal Highway Guards as Umahi Orders End to Vandalism, Hawking, Okada and Keke Operations
FG Deploys 40 Coastal Highway Guards as Umahi Orders End to Vandalism, Hawking, Okada and Keke Operations
Federal Government launches Coastal Highway Guards with 40 officers to protect the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway from vandalism, hawking, illegal occupation and unauthorised activities.
The Federal Government has launched the Coastal Highway Guards, a new security initiative aimed at protecting the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway from vandalism, illegal occupation, hawking and other unauthorised activities.
The initiative was launched by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, with an initial deployment of 40 officers to monitor activities along the major coastal road project.
The development was disclosed on Sunday by Jubril Gawat, Senior Special Assistant on New Media to the Lagos State Governor, through a statement shared on his X handle.
According to Gawat, the newly established Coastal Highway Guards will maintain a visible presence along the highway and report suspicious activities that could threaten the safety or progress of the project.
Why the Federal Government Created Coastal Highway Guards
The Federal Government's decision comes amid concerns about vandalism, illegal occupation and other activities taking place along sections of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
The coastal highway is one of Nigeria's major ongoing infrastructure projects and is designed to improve transportation links between Lagos and Cross River State while connecting several coastal states.
Umahi said government infrastructure must be adequately protected from individuals who damage, remove or unlawfully occupy portions of the project.
The minister expressed concern about the alleged removal of construction materials, damage to fencing and other forms of interference with the highway.
He said some individuals had been removing blocks and reinforcement rods while also entering and occupying portions of the highway.
According to Umahi, such activities are unacceptable and must be stopped to protect the government's investment in the project.
40 Officers Deployed for Initial Operations
The Coastal Highway Guards began operations with 40 officers.
The personnel are expected to monitor activities along the highway and alert the appropriate authorities whenever they observe suspicious or unauthorised activities.
Their responsibilities include maintaining a security presence along the road, monitoring possible cases of vandalism and reporting suspicious behaviour.
The guards will also work to prevent activities that could interfere with construction and the intended use of the highway.
Gawat said the initiative would be led by retired General Adekunle Shodunke and would operate in collaboration with security agencies in Lagos State.
The involvement of other security agencies is expected to strengthen the government's ability to respond to incidents and protect strategic infrastructure along the route.
No Hawking, Keke or Okada on the Coastal Highway
One of the key responsibilities assigned to the Coastal Highway Guards is to prevent hawking, loitering and the operation of commercial motorcycles and tricycles on the highway.
Umahi directed the relevant authorities to ensure that motorcycles, commonly known as okadas, and tricycles, popularly called kekes, do not operate on the coastal highway.
The minister also ordered the restriction of hawking and illegal occupation along the route.
According to Umahi, the highway is a major national infrastructure project and should not become an area for unauthorised commercial activities or loitering.
He also expressed concern about people sleeping on portions of the highway at night.
The minister said such activities could pose security and safety concerns while potentially interfering with construction work.
Coastal Highway Guards to Report Vandalism
Vandalism is one of the major concerns behind the creation of the new guard system.
Government infrastructure projects can face losses when construction materials, fencing, electrical components or other facilities are stolen or damaged.
Umahi said there had been incidents involving the removal of blocks, breaking of fences and removal of reinforcement rods along sections of the coastal highway.
The Coastal Highway Guards are therefore expected to identify and report such incidents promptly.
Their role is primarily focused on maintaining surveillance and presence along the highway while working with established security agencies.
The initiative is intended to provide an additional layer of protection for the project as construction continues.
Umahi Says Jobs Are Full-Time Positions
The Minister of Works reportedly clarified that the Coastal Highway Guards initiative should not be viewed simply as an empowerment programme.
Instead, he described the positions as full-time jobs created to protect government assets.
Gawat quoted the minister as saying the initiative was designed to protect national assets in line with the Federal Government's Renewed Hope agenda.
This distinction is significant because the guards will have a specific responsibility connected to infrastructure protection rather than serving as a temporary community empowerment scheme.
Minister Calls for Stronger Protection of National Infrastructure
Umahi also called on the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to strengthen the protection of strategic national infrastructure.
The NSCDC has responsibilities relating to the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure, making its involvement important in safeguarding major government projects.
The minister's call comes as the Federal Government continues to invest heavily in roads and other infrastructure across the country.
Protecting these projects from vandalism and illegal activities is important not only for construction progress but also for ensuring that public funds invested in infrastructure are not lost through damage or theft.
Federal Government Opens Projects to Anti-Corruption Scrutiny
In another development, Umahi disclosed that the Ministry of Works had opened its ongoing projects to scrutiny by anti-corruption agencies.
The move is aimed at increasing transparency and accountability in the implementation of federal infrastructure projects.
The minister's comments come amid continued public interest in the cost, quality, supervision and implementation of major government construction projects.
Allowing relevant agencies to scrutinise projects could help strengthen oversight and address concerns surrounding the management of public infrastructure contracts.
What Is the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway?
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is a major federal road project designed to connect communities and states along Nigeria's coastline.
The planned highway stretches approximately 750 kilometres from Lagos to Cross River State.
The route passes through several states, including:
- Lagos
- Ogun
- Ondo
- Delta
- Bayelsa
- Rivers
- Akwa Ibom
- Cross River
The project is planned as a major multi-lane highway and is intended to improve movement of people and goods along Nigeria's coastal corridor.
The Federal Ministry of Works is supervising the project, while Hitech Construction Company Limited is undertaking construction.
Beyond transportation, the project is expected to support economic activity and improve connectivity between communities and commercial centres along the country's coastal region.
Why Protecting the Highway Matters
Large infrastructure projects require significant financial investment, construction materials, machinery and human resources.
Damage to construction facilities or theft of materials can increase project costs and potentially slow down construction.
The Federal Government's deployment of dedicated guards is therefore aimed at preventing activities that could undermine the project.
Maintaining security along the highway may also help contractors and workers operate more effectively, particularly in areas where illegal occupation or unauthorised activities could interfere with construction.
However, the effectiveness of the new initiative will depend on sustained monitoring, cooperation between the guards and existing security agencies, and enforcement of the rules along the highway.
What the Coastal Highway Guards Will Do
Based on the responsibilities announced by the government, the Coastal Highway Guards will focus on several key duties.
1. Maintain a Visible Presence
The guards will patrol or maintain a presence along sections of the coastal highway to deter unauthorised activities.
2. Report Suspicious Activities
They will monitor activities and report suspicious behaviour to the relevant security authorities.
3. Monitor Vandalism
The team will identify and report cases involving damage or removal of construction materials and infrastructure.
4. Restrict Hawking
Hawking activities along the highway will be restricted as part of efforts to keep the route clear.
5. Keep Okadas and Kekes Off the Highway
Motorcycles and tricycles are also expected to be prevented from operating on the coastal highway.
6. Prevent Illegal Occupation
The guards will also monitor and report cases of illegal occupation and loitering along the route.
What Happens Next?
The launch of the Coastal Highway Guards represents another step by the Federal Government to strengthen security around the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
With an initial 40 officers and leadership under retired General Adekunle Shodunke, the initiative is expected to work alongside existing security agencies.
The major challenge will be ensuring that the security presence remains effective across the long highway corridor.
As construction progresses, authorities will also need to maintain coordination with local communities, contractors, state governments and security agencies.
The ultimate objective is to ensure that the coastal highway remains protected from vandalism and unauthorised activities while construction continues.
For the Federal Government, safeguarding the project is considered essential to protecting public investment and ensuring that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway can deliver its intended transportation and economic benefits.
FAQ.....
What is the Coastal Highway Guards initiative?
The Coastal Highway Guards is a Federal Government initiative launched to help protect the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway from vandalism, illegal occupation, hawking, loitering and other unauthorised activities.
How many Coastal Highway Guards were initially deployed?
The initiative began with 40 officers, according to the announcement.
Who launched the Coastal Highway Guards?
The initiative was launched by the Minister of Works, David Umahi.
Who will lead the Coastal Highway Guards?
The team will be led by retired General Adekunle Shodunke, according to the announcement.
Will okadas and kekes be allowed on the coastal highway?
The Works Minister directed that motorcycles and tricycles should be kept off the coastal highway.
Will hawking be allowed on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway?
The government has directed that hawking should be restricted along the highway.
What is the main purpose of the Coastal Highway Guards?
Their main purpose is to protect government infrastructure by maintaining a security presence, reporting suspicious activities and monitoring vandalism and unauthorised activities.
How long is the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway?
The planned Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway stretches approximately 750 kilometres from Lagos to Cross River State.
Which states will the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway pass through?
The route is planned to connect Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states.
Who is constructing the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway?
The project is being undertaken by Hitech Construction Company Limited under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Works.
The launch of the Coastal Highway Guards marks a new effort by the Federal Government to protect the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway from vandalism and unauthorised activities.
With an initial 40 officers, the guards will focus on surveillance, reporting suspicious activities, preventing illegal occupation and keeping hawking, motorcycles and tricycles off the highway.
The Federal Government says protecting the project is necessary to safeguard national assets and ensure that construction can proceed without disruption.
As the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway continues to develop, the effectiveness of the new security arrangement will be closely watched, particularly across the several states covered by the project.
Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, David Umahi, coastal highway security, Lagos-Calabar highway vandalism, Federal Ministry of Works
Post a Comment