Escalating Vandalism on the Coastal Corridor

A different kind of danger is creeping along Nigeria’s much-talked-about Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. Behind the impressive infrastructure being built to open up the nation's coastline, criminals are quietly dismantling parts of the project, including manhole covers, fencing, and road signs.

The scale of the damage is alarming. Since January, no fewer than 1,800 manhole covers have reportedly been stolen from the highway. About one kilometer of clear-view fencing has also been removed, while approximately 75 directional signs have been cut down and carted away. For the Federal Government, this is viewed as a direct assault on a massive infrastructure investment intended to transform connectivity and economic activities along the coastline.

Law Enforcement Crackdown and Arrests

During a joint press briefing with the Lagos State Police Command, the Controller of Works for Lagos State, Engineer Olufemi Dare, disclosed that the police had arrested 12 suspects over alleged vandalism and the creation of illegal U-turns along the highway. Nine suspects were arrested in connection with vandalism, while three others were apprehended for allegedly creating illegal U-turns and collecting money from motorists using the unauthorized openings.

Five of the suspects have already been charged to court, while investigations continue into the activities of the others. Dare emphasized that the authorities are now targeting the broader network behind the theft, particularly those receiving and disposing of the stolen materials.

What makes today's briefing very significant for us is that we point out particularly those who are fond of vandalising the work we have on this coastal road, particularly what we are using to construct. Many of them have been arrested, and some of them are even being charged because those you are seeing here are those that are yet to be charged because they are still investigating their activities in order to get to the root of the matter.

— Engineer Olufemi Dare, Controller of Works, Lagos State, Federal Ministry of Works

Destruction of Drainage and Safety Systems

One of the most disturbing aspects of the vandalism is the disappearance of 1,800 manhole covers from the underground drainage system. Vandals have been breaking the concrete covers to remove the reinforcement iron embedded in them for sale. These missing covers expose road users to significant danger and undermine the effectiveness of the system designed to protect the highway from water damage.

In addition to the drainage system, approximately 1,000 meters of clear-view fencing and 75 directional signs have been removed. The fence serves as a physical boundary to regulate access and improve safety, while the signs provide vital guidance for motorists. Their removal increases the likelihood of motorists making wrong turns or accessing unauthorized areas, turning a planned transport corridor into a hazard zone.

The Honourable Minister is so sad. Each time I report this issue to him, he will just reply me, ‘I am so sad.’ Because while the Federal Government is doing everything possible to increase the infrastructure that we have in the country, these criminal elements, they are saying it will not be possible. But we have declared war with them.

— Engineer Olufemi Dare, Controller of Works, Lagos State, Federal Ministry of Works

Federal Government’s Warning and Usage Prohibitions

The Ministry of Works has warned that the Coastal Road is a superhighway and not a marketplace or trailer park. Authorities have prohibited trailers from parking on the road, while tricycles, bicycles, and the rearing of animals like sheep and cattle along the corridor are strictly banned. Motorists whose vehicles break down are advised to seek immediate police assistance rather than abandoning their vehicles.

The government is collaborating with the Lagos State Police Command and the recently launched Coastal Guards to monitor the highway. Dare appealed to the public and the media to report suspicious activities, noting that every stolen item represents public money that must be spent again for replacement. The government intends to seek the maximum punishment for those found guilty of undermining national infrastructure efforts.