By DENNIS ISONG

The morning sun had barely broken through the Lagos skyline when Emeka received the call that would change everything. His uncle, who owned a small piece of land in Eleko, was practically shouting through the phone: “They’re building a massive highway right through our area! The government people came yesterday with their measuring equipment!”

This scene has played out countless times across Nigeria’s coastal states as the ambitious Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project transforms from blueprint to reality. For land speculators, property investors, and everyday Nigerians, understanding where this 700-kilometer superhighway will pass has become more than just curiosity—it’s become a matter of financial survival and opportunity.

The Grand Route: A 700-Kilometer Journey Through Nigeria’s Coast

The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway represents one of Nigeria’s most ambitious infrastructure projects in decades. The 700-kilometer Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project is designed to connect Lagos to Cross River, passing through the coastal states of Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom, before culminating in Cross River.

This isn’t just any ordinary road. The highway will feature a dual carriageway with five lanes on each side, creating a modern superhighway that promises to revolutionize transportation, commerce, and development along Nigeria’s coastline. The project begins at Ahmadu Bello Way in Victoria Island, Lagos, and snakes through the country’s most economically vibrant coastal regions before terminating in Calabar, Cross River State.

What makes this route particularly significant for land speculators is its strategic positioning. The highway deliberately follows the coastline, connecting major ports, industrial zones, and economic hubs. This coastal alignment means that previously remote or underdeveloped areas will suddenly find themselves at the center of Nigeria’s new economic corridor.

Phase One Reality: From Lagos to Eleko Junction

The first phase of construction offers the clearest picture of where opportunities currently exist. The 30-kilometer stretch, known as Section 1, runs from Ahmadu Bello Way to Eleko Junction in Lagos State. This section has already been commissioned and represents the most immediate area where land values are experiencing dramatic shifts.

This phase, a 47.47-kilometre stretch starting from Ahmadu Bello Way in Victoria Island, Lagos, began in March 2024 and is set to be completed by May 29, 2025. The construction timeline provides a clear window for understanding when different areas will be most affected by development pressure.

The Lagos section strategically connects to the Lekki Deep Seaport, creating a direct transportation link between Nigeria’s busiest commercial center and its newest major port facility. This connection alone suggests that areas along this route will experience sustained economic growth and development pressure for years to come.

For those wondering about the immediate impact, the evidence is already visible. Construction activities have transformed previously quiet coastal areas into bustling zones of activity, with property inquiries and land transactions increasing dramatically in communities that fall within the highway’s influence zone.

The Multi-State Highway Corridor: Economic Transformation Zones

Understanding where the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road will pass requires looking beyond just the physical route to the broader economic corridors it will create. Each state along the route presents unique opportunities and challenges for land speculators and investors.

In Ogun State, the highway will connect with existing industrial zones and the expanding Lagos megacity. The state’s proximity to Lagos means that areas along the coastal road route are likely to become prime locations for residential and commercial development as Lagos continues its outward expansion.

Ondo State’s section will traverse areas rich in natural resources and agricultural potential. The improved connectivity could transform previously isolated coastal communities into accessible investment destinations. The state’s commitment to industrial development, combined with new highway access, creates a compelling case for strategic land acquisition.

Delta State’s portion of the highway passes through oil-rich regions and established commercial centers. The enhanced connectivity will likely accelerate the diversification of the state’s economy beyond oil, creating opportunities in agriculture, manufacturing, and services sectors.

Rivers State, being home to Port Harcourt and significant industrial infrastructure, will see the highway complement existing transportation networks. The coastal route will provide an alternative to congested inland routes, potentially making previously overlooked coastal areas more attractive for development.

The Demolition Reality: Understanding Right-of-Way Impact

The construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway hasn’t been without controversy, and understanding this reality is crucial for anyone considering land investments along the route. On Apr. 30, 2024, as the sun rose over Lagos, bulldozers rolled in to the Oniru waterfront, a popular leisure hub, where they cleared kiosks, restaurants and other beachside businesses.

By December, 750 structures in densely populated stretches of this coastal state had been affected by the construction activities. This reality underscores the importance of understanding not just where the highway will pass, but how close to the actual construction zone any potential land investment might be.

The government has been working to address these concerns through route adjustments and compensation programs. Minister Dave Umahi stated that rerouting the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway to include the coastal path was crucial to protect the area’s developed infrastructure.

For land speculators, this presents both risks and opportunities. Areas immediately adjacent to the highway construction may face acquisition risks, while properties slightly further away but still within the economic influence zone may experience significant value appreciation without facing direct impact from construction activities.

Compensation Programs: The N18 Billion Reality Check

The scale of compensation being paid for affected properties provides valuable insight into both the government’s commitment to the project and the real estate values being recognized along the route. THE payment of compensation to the affected property owners on the Right-of-Way of section one of the ongoing Lagos – Calabar Coastal Road has reached significant levels.

The Federal Government, on Thursday, confirmed that it would pay compensation to all property owners along the path the 700km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway would be passing through across nine states. This commitment extends beyond just the immediate construction zone, suggesting that the government recognizes the broader impact of the project on property values and land use patterns.

The compensation process also provides valuable market data for potential investors. The federal government has paid a compensation amounting to N2.75 billion to property owners whose properties was within the first 3km of the Lagos-Calabar highway, indicating the substantial values being recognized for properties in the immediate vicinity.

This compensation data serves as a benchmark for understanding property values along the route. It also demonstrates the government’s willingness to invest significantly in ensuring the project moves forward, reducing the risk that the highway construction will stall due to land acquisition challenges.

Investment Hotspots: Where Smart Money is Moving

Strategic locations along the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road route are already attracting attention from informed investors. Lagos As Nigeria’s commercial powerhouse, Lagos offers high-demand investment areas like the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Eleko, and Ibeju-Lekki, which align with the coastal road.

The Lekki Free Trade Zone represents perhaps the most obvious investment opportunity, combining the benefits of the coastal highway with existing infrastructure and government support for industrial development. The zone’s connection to both the Lekki Deep Seaport and the new highway creates a powerful combination for businesses requiring efficient logistics and transportation.

Eleko, which marks the terminus of the first completed section, has already seen increased interest from developers and investors. The area’s transformation from a relatively quiet coastal community to a strategic transportation hub illustrates the type of rapid change that can occur along the highway route.

Ibeju-Lekki, with its existing status as a designated industrial and residential development area, benefits from the additional connectivity provided by the coastal highway. The area’s planned infrastructure development, combined with highway access, creates compelling conditions for long-term value appreciation.

Beyond Lagos, areas in other states are beginning to attract attention from investors who understand the transformative potential of improved connectivity. Coastal communities that have historically been isolated may find themselves positioned as the next wave of development opportunities.

Timeline Implications: When Will Different Sections Open?

Understanding the construction timeline is crucial for making informed investment decisions along the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road route. The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has announced that the first section of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is set to be completed by May 29, 2025, after which it will be tolled for 5 to 10 years to recover construction costs.

The tolling mechanism provides important insights into how the highway will be managed and maintained. For investors, toll roads often experience more consistent maintenance and management, which can help preserve property values in adjacent areas. The 5 to 10-year tolling period also suggests government confidence in the highway’s traffic generation potential.

The Federal Government has announced the immediate start of construction work on sections three and four of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, beginning from Calabar. This simultaneous construction approach from both ends suggests an accelerated timeline for completion and earlier realization of economic benefits along the entire route.

The staggered completion of different sections creates opportunities for investors to position themselves ahead of development waves. Areas where construction is beginning now may offer better entry prices than sections that are already operational and experiencing immediate economic impact.

Economic Impact: Beyond Just Transportation

The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway represents more than just improved transportation; it’s a catalyst for comprehensive economic transformation along Nigeria’s coast. The highway’s impact extends into multiple sectors, creating diverse investment opportunities for those who understand its broader implications.

Tourism development represents one significant opportunity. The highway will make previously inaccessible coastal areas available to tourists, potentially creating demand for hospitality, recreation, and service businesses. Communities with natural attractions, cultural sites, or beach access may find themselves positioned to benefit from increased visitor traffic.

Agricultural transformation is another key area of impact. Improved transportation links will reduce the cost and time required to move agricultural products from coastal producing areas to major markets. This connectivity could revitalize coastal agriculture and create opportunities for agribusiness investment and development.

Industrial development opportunities will emerge as the highway reduces transportation costs for businesses. Areas along the route may become attractive for manufacturing, processing, and distribution facilities that require efficient access to both domestic and international markets through the connected port facilities.

The service sector expansion that typically follows major infrastructure development will create opportunities for retail, banking, telecommunications, and other service businesses. Communities along the highway route may experience population growth and economic diversification that supports various commercial ventures.

Risk Assessment: What Could Go Wrong?

While the opportunities along the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road are compelling, responsible investment requires understanding the potential risks and challenges. Environmental concerns have been raised about the highway’s impact on coastal ecosystems and communities, which could affect long-term development patterns in some areas.

Funding risks, while appearing manageable given current progress, remain a consideration for such a large-scale project. Changes in government priorities, economic conditions, or international relations could potentially affect the timeline or scope of construction in different sections.

Land title issues, common in Nigerian real estate, become particularly important along major infrastructure routes. Ensuring clear, verifiable title to any land investment is crucial, especially in areas where government acquisition activities are ongoing or planned.

Market oversupply represents another potential risk, particularly in areas that receive significant speculative investment attention. Not all locations along the highway route will experience equal development pressure or value appreciation, making careful location selection essential.

Competition from other development corridors or infrastructure projects could affect the relative attractiveness of coastal highway locations. Nigeria’s broader infrastructure development plans include multiple major projects that may compete for investment attention and economic activity.

Future Outlook: The Next Decade of Coastal Development

The completion of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway will likely catalyze a decade of intensive development along Nigeria’s coast. Understanding this longer-term trajectory is essential for making strategic investment decisions that capitalize on sustained growth rather than just immediate speculation.

Population migration patterns will likely shift as the highway makes coastal areas more accessible for residence and business. This demographic change could create sustained demand for housing, commercial services, and infrastructure development in communities along the route.

International investment interest may increase as the highway demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to modern infrastructure development. Foreign investors often prefer locations with reliable transportation access, making highway-adjacent areas more attractive for international business ventures and partnerships.

Government policy evolution will likely continue supporting coastal development as the economic benefits of the highway become apparent. Additional infrastructure investments, special economic zones, and development incentives may follow the highway’s success, creating additional layers of opportunity for early investors.

The integration with broader West African transportation networks could eventually position the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as part of international trade routes. This continental connectivity would add another dimension to the investment potential of locations along the route.

Where will the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road pass? The answer encompasses not just geography, but opportunity. From Lagos to Calabar, through seven states and countless communities, this 700-kilometer highway represents Nigeria’s commitment to coastal development and economic transformation. For land speculators alert to its implications, the coastal highway offers a roadmap to understanding where Nigeria’s next wave of development will unfold.

The key to successful investment lies not just in knowing where the highway will pass, but in understanding how its passage will transform the economic, social, and physical landscape of coastal Nigeria. Those who grasp these broader implications—and act on them with appropriate caution and due diligence—may find themselves well-positioned to benefit from one of Nigeria’s most significant infrastructure developments in generations.

•Dennis Isong helps individuals invest right in real estate. For questions on this article or enquiring about real estate, please follow him on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/LandPropertyNG/ or Whatsapp/Call +2348164741041