Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Olufemi Dare, gives road users two weeks to comply with safety directives during a Monday briefing.
Dare says the warning follows persistent speeding, illegal parking, unauthorised U-turns, use of motorcycles and tricycles, roadside trading and other activities considered dangerous to motorists and the highway infrastructure.
He says the directive was issued by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, after authorities raised concerns over the continued violations.
“In another two weeks, if there’s no improvement, His Excellency has directed that we are coming back to shut down the road,” Dare says.
The Lagos portion of the highway covers about 103 kilometres across two sections, measuring approximately 47.474 kilometres and 56 kilometres respectively.
Dare says construction is still ongoing, particularly on bridges, with 10 major bridges planned for each section.
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He explains that the highway was opened to traffic before all the bridge works were completed, making compliance with the 30km/h speed limit particularly important.
“People come to coastal road and get to a speed of 120 kilometres per hour on the coastal road, and where constructions are going on,” he says.
“We have said your speed on the coastal road must not be more than 30 kilometres per hour.”
The controller also raises concerns about reported deaths on the highway, saying road users must take the restrictions seriously.
“Lives are being lost on the coastal road. Almost every other day,” he says.
Authorities are also increasing security along the route, following meetings between Umahi and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani.
Dare says trucks and articulated vehicles parked illegally along the highway will be towed, while motorists making unauthorised U-turns will face enforcement action and possible prosecution.
He adds that more than 100 Okada riders were arrested on the highway the previous week, while motorcycles and tricycles remain prohibited from using the route.
Beyond traffic violations, Dare says the government is dealing with vandalism of safety infrastructure, including the removal of about five kilometres of ClearVu fencing and concrete drainage covers spanning about 18 kilometres.
He says the vandalism largely occurs at night and that authorities are considering stronger barriers and CCTV surveillance in vulnerable areas.
The government is also planning to tackle illegal settlements, hawking and animal grazing along the highway, with at least 10 illegal settlements identified for removal.
Dare says 40 coastal guards have been approved for the first section, with community representatives expected to work alongside the police on surveillance.
He says the recruitment and deployment of the guards are expected to be completed within two weeks.
The controller also warns truck operators using the Gypsy Port area for parking, saying a joint task force will clear the vehicles from the area.
Dare says the road itself is complete in the first section, although bridge construction remains ongoing, and the project is still within its three-year contract period.
He urges motorists and other road users to follow the directives as enforcement is strengthened.
“It’s not going to be business as usual,” he says.
The Federal Government says enforcement will be intensified along the highway, with continued non-compliance potentially leading to the closure of the Lagos section.
