The Federal Government says the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway will be tolled immediately after its planned inauguration in April 2026.
This is as part of efforts to recover construction costs and fund long-term maintenance.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, disclosed this on Saturday during an inspection of Sections One and Two of the project.
He said tolling was incorporated into the project’s financing structure and would commence once the road is opened to traffic.
Umahi noted that work has been intensified on Section One, a 47.47-kilometre stretch from Ahmadu Bello Way to Eleko, with the aim of completing it by April.
He added that about half of Section Two is also expected to be ready for inauguration around the same time.
According to the minister, the government is coordinating with the contractor, Hitech Construction Company Ltd, to complete supporting infrastructure such as tolling equipment, surveillance systems and solar-powered lighting before the road becomes operational.
Although official toll rates have not yet been approved, Umahi said earlier projections were shared to give motorists an idea of likely charges.
He said the government estimates that with daily traffic of about 50,000 vehicles, the cost of constructing Section One could be recovered within 15 years.
The minister acknowledged that construction has been complicated by engineering challenges, including route adjustments to avoid existing buildings and infrastructure.
He said parts of the corridor required deep excavation and stabilization due to poor soil conditions and accumulated waste.
