The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is a transformative project that will reshape Nigeria’s southern movements, if it goes as planned. It covers approximately 700 kilometers, this ambitious highway will connect Lagos to Calabar, passing through nine states and many towns and villages along the Atlantic coast. Beyond enhancing connectivity, the highway aims to stimulate economic growth, boost tourism, and improve the quality of life for millions of Nigerians. If this project is successful, it will be easier for people traveling from Lagos to Southern part of Nigeria and reduce the congestion in Lagos Benin highway.
For more information on this visit the Federal Ministry of Works – Road Projects.
Overview of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway
- Length: Approximately 700 kilometers
- States Covered: Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River
- Start Point: Victoria Island, Lagos
- End Point: Calabar, Cross River State
- Expected Completion: 2031
- Construction Commencement: March 2024
The highway is designed to facilitate trade, reduce travel time, and open up coastal communities to new opportunities. It will also feature a railway line running through its median, further enhancing transportation options.
Towns and Villages Along the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway
If your searching for where this Lagos Calabar coastal highway will pass, i have listed the towns and villages that this road will pass through starting from Lagos state.
Lagos State
The highway begins here.
Lagos is Nigeria’s busiest city full of energy, business, traffic, and culture.
Key Towns/Villages:
- Ahmadu Bello Way (Victoria Island) – Starting point.
- Oniru
- Lekki
- Ibeju-Lekki – Near the Lekki Deep Sea Port.
- Free Trade Zone – Major investment hub.
- La Campagne Tropicana – Beach resort area.
- Eleko Junction – Bordering Ogun State.
These communities will become even more important once the road opens.
Ogun State
After Lagos, the road touches coastal areas of Ogun State.
Many don’t know Ogun has access to the Atlantic, but it does—just not heavily developed.
Possible Coastal Villages:
- Makun-Omi
- Agbede Waterside
- Lenuwa Beach Axis
These sleepy villages could wake up to tourism, commerce, and growth.
Ondo State
This state is rich in both land and water.
Its coastal towns have long waited for modern roads.
Towns/Villages:
- Araromi Seaside – Beautiful beach.
- Ode-Erinje
- Ilaje Local Government Area – Oil-rich zone.
- Igbokoda – Main town in Ilaje, very likely on the route.
Delta State
Delta is oil-rich and full of riverine communities.
But movement is difficult here due to bad roads and waterways.
Likely Stops:
- Escravos – Close to Chevron’s facility.
- Okerenkoko
- Warri South-West LGA
- Burutu
Bringing road infrastructure here could drastically reduce boat dependence.
Bayelsa State
Bayelsa is often overlooked due to its swampy terrain.
But the coastal highway could open up:
- Anyama-Ogbia
- Agge
- Twon-Brass – A beautiful yet hard-to-access coastal town.
The impact? Easier road access to oil-rich terminals and untapped tourism.
Rivers State
Rivers is already well-developed in terms of oil and port activities.
But the coastal road will take it further.
Key Towns/Villages:
- Bonny Island – Major oil hub.
- Finima – Home to NLNG Plant.
- Opobo/Nkoro – Historic coastal kingdom.
These places are currently mostly accessed by water. That may soon change.
Akwa Ibom State
This state is ready for the spotlight.
It has long beaches, resorts, and friendly people.
Likely Stops:
- Ibeno – Where Mobil Producing Nigeria operates.
- Esit Eket
- Oron
- Mbo LGA
Ibeno Beach is one of the longest in West Africa. With this road, it could become a top tourist site.
Cross River State
This is the final destination.
Calabar, the capital, is known for its festivals, food, and friendliness.
Towns/Villages:
- Calabar South – Highway may end here.
- Bakassi – Strategic and historic zone.
- Ikang – Border town.
Cross River wants more tourists. This highway could bring them in droves.
Though i may miss some tiny villages or town you can check Presidency’s Statement on Coastal Highway for detailed information about this project.
Check Calabar Carnival Official Site
Strategic Importance of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway
It’s not just a road.
It’s a vision to boost:
- Unity
- Trade
- Tourism
- Security
- Investment
The coastal states have been cut off from each other for too long.
This road fixes that.
Boosting Tourism in Nigeria
Many Nigerians dream of visiting beautiful places like Obudu, Bonny Island, or the beaches of Akwa Ibom.
But long, bad roads ruin those dreams.
This highway could change that.
From “Far” to “Let’s Go!”
Before, a trip from Lagos to Calabar felt like traveling to another country.
With this road?
You can stop at:
- Lekki Beach
- Ibeno Beach
- Bonny Island
- Calabar Marina
All while cruising along a clean, modern expressway with ocean views.
Tour operators, bloggers, and even airlines will see benefits.
Political and Social Impact of this road
This road has sparked debates.
Some people support it. Others have raised concerns.
Let’s break it down.
Pros
- Stronger unity: It links multiple ethnic and cultural groups.
- Improved national security: Easier access for military and emergency response.
- Better investment potential: Investors like areas with good roads.
Concerns
- Displacement of people: Homes and businesses may be demolished.
- Environmental threats: Wildlife areas, mangroves, and coastlines could suffer.
- Transparency issues: Some are worried about how the funds are being used.
The government has promised to handle these issues with care.
Integration with Other Projects
The Lagos-Calabar Highway won’t work alone.
It connects with:
- Lekki Deep Sea Port
- Dangote Refinery
- Railway lines
- Seaports and airports
This is not just a road. It’s part of a bigger plan.
Nigeria is building a backbone of infrastructure that works together according to the Presidency’s Statement on Coastal Highway
That means faster delivery. Smoother transport. A stronger economy.
Voices from the People
What are locals saying?
We spoke with a few Nigerians along the projected route:
People want development. But they also want it done right – with fairness and care.
Summary of the Towns and villages the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway will pass through
| State | Major Towns/Villages on the Route |
|---|---|
| Lagos | Victoria Island, Lekki, Ibeju-Lekki, Oniru |
| Ogun | Makun-Omi, Agbede Waterside |
| Ondo | Araromi, Igbokoda, Ilaje |
| Delta | Escravos, Okerenkoko, Burutu |
| Bayelsa | Agge, Anyama-Ogbia, Brass |
| Rivers | Bonny Island, Finima, Opobo |
| Akwa Ibom | Ibeno, Esit Eket, Oron |
| Cross River | Bakassi, Calabar South, Ikang |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway?
It is a new 700km road project.
It will connect Lagos in the Southwest to Calabar in the Southeast.
The road runs along Nigeria’s coast.
It is expected to boost trade, tourism, and unity.
2. Which towns and villages will the road pass through?
Many!
Some of them include:
- Victoria Island (Lagos)
- Ibeju-Lekki (Lagos)
- Makun-Omi (Ogun)
- Araromi Seaside (Ondo)
- Burutu (Delta)
- Agge (Bayelsa)
- Bonny Island (Rivers)
- Ibeno (Akwa Ibom)
- Calabar South (Cross River)
Each state has a list of towns it will touch.
Check the article above for full details.
3. Has construction started?
Yes.
Construction began in early 2024.
Work started from Lagos.
You can follow progress on works.gov.ng.
4. Will houses be demolished?
Yes, some structures will be affected.
But the government has promised compensation.
It is advised to check with local authorities if your area is involved.
5. What is the total cost of the project?
The highway is estimated to cost over N15 trillion.
It’s one of the largest road projects in Nigeria’s history.
6. Will it improve tourism?
Yes, greatly.
The highway will make beach resorts and coastal towns more accessible.
Expect more visitors in places like Ibeno, Lekki, Oron, and Calabar.
7. Is it a toll road?
Yes, parts of it will be tolled.
The government says tolls will be reasonable.
Funds will help maintain the road.
8. Can I invest in land along the route?
Yes, and many people are already doing so.
But be careful.
Make sure the land is not under government acquisition.
Use a lawyer or land expert.
9. How long will the road take to complete?
The full project may take about 8 to 10 years, depending on funding.
But parts of it will open earlier.
Lagos to Ondo may open before 2026.
10. Is this project safe for the environment?
There are concerns.
Groups say it may affect mangroves and marine life.
The government says it will conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
Stay informed and follow updates from HOMEF and NEMA.
Final Takeaway
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is more than concrete and tar.
It’s about opportunity.
It’s about access.
It’s about unity.
From big cities to quiet villages, this road touches everyone.
Let’s watch. Let’s speak up. Let’s support it being done right.
So that no town is left behind.
