FG Restricts Motorcycles and Tricycles on Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway to Protect Major Infrastructure

The Federal Government has introduced new restrictions on the use of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, banning commercial motorcycles and tricycles from operating on the newly built road as authorities move to protect the infrastructure from damage and ensure long-term durability.

The directive was announced by the Federal Ministry of Works through the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Olufemi Dare, who said enforcement of the restriction would begin this week.

According to the ministry, the decision was made to prevent activities that could compromise the quality and lifespan of the coastal highway, which is being positioned as one of Nigeria’s major transport infrastructure projects.

Why the Government Introduced the Ban

The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is a strategic road project designed to improve connectivity along Nigeria’s coastal corridor, linking major economic areas and supporting easier movement of people and goods.

Officials explained that controlling the type of vehicles operating on the highway is part of a broader maintenance strategy. The government wants to reduce pressure on the road surface and prevent early deterioration caused by activities considered unsuitable for a high-capacity expressway.

Commercial motorcycles and tricycles, commonly used for short-distance transportation in many Nigerian cities, have now been restricted from accessing the route.

Trucks, Illegal Parking and Waste Disposal Also Targeted

Beyond motorcycles and tricycles, the Federal Ministry of Works issued additional warnings concerning other activities around highways and bridges in Lagos State.

The ministry said the parking of trucks and articulated vehicles along the coastal highway and other bridge areas would no longer be allowed. Authorities described such practices as a threat to road safety and the smooth movement of traffic.

The government also condemned the dumping of refuse along highway corridors, warning that improper waste disposal can damage public infrastructure and create environmental and safety challenges for road users.

Enforcement Measures Begin

To ensure compliance, the ministry confirmed that warning signs have already been installed at strategic points along the highway.

Task force officials are also expected to monitor the route and enforce the new regulations, with violators facing penalties for ignoring the directives.

Dare urged motorists, transport operators and residents around the highway corridor to respect the new rules, noting that proper use of the road would help preserve the facility for future generations.

What Road Users Should Know

The restriction means commercial operators using motorcycles and tricycles will need to avoid the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and seek alternative routes where necessary.

The government has emphasized that the move is not only about traffic control but also about protecting a major national investment expected to support transportation, trade and economic activities.

As construction and development around the coastal route continue, further regulations may be introduced to manage traffic flow, safety and infrastructure protection.