The Federal Ministry of Works has banned commercial motorcycles and tricycles from operating on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
The restriction takes effect this week.
The ministry also warned truck and articulated vehicle operators against indiscriminate parking along the highway and on bridges across Lagos State.
Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Olufemi Dare, announced the directive in a statement on Sunday.
The government says the move will protect the new highway, improve road safety and prevent misuse of the multi-billion-naira project.
What the New Restriction Covers
The directive affects commercial motorcycles, popularly called okada, and tricycles, known as keke Marwa.
These operators can no longer use the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
The ministry also banned unauthorised truck parking along the corridor.
This does not mean the government has banned all trucks from using the road. The focus is on indiscriminate parking by heavy-duty vehicles and articulated trucks.
The ministry also warned against dumping refuse along highway corridors.
Why the FG Is Taking Action
The Federal Government wants to protect the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway from early damage.
Dare described the road as a world-class transport corridor that needs strict maintenance.
He said commercial motorcycles, tricycles, truck parking and refuse dumping can weaken road safety and damage public infrastructure.
The government also wants to prevent the highway from turning into an informal transport route or parking zone.
This matters because the project carries a large public investment.
If road users misuse the corridor from the start, maintenance costs may rise faster than expected.
Enforcement Begins Immediately
The ministry says enforcement will start immediately.
Task force officials will take positions at strategic points along the highway.
The government has also installed road signs to inform motorists and other road users about the new rules.
This means violators may face enforcement action once the restrictions take effect.
The ministry urged motorists, transport unions, truck operators and the public to comply.
Why the Highway Matters
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is one of Nigeria’s biggest road projects.
The planned 700-kilometre highway will run along Nigeria’s Atlantic coastline and connect major economic centres from Lagos to Calabar.
The project aims to improve trade, tourism, logistics and regional movement across several coastal states.
It also links key industrial and commercial corridors, including areas close to the Lekki Free Zone and the Dangote Refinery route.
Because of its scale, the highway has attracted major funding and public attention.
The Investment Behind the Road
The project has received major financing support.
In 2025, Nigeria secured large external financing for sections of the highway. The financing includes funding for the first phase and another major facility for Phase One, Section Two.
The Federal Government has also awarded contracts worth more than ₦3 trillion for several sections of the project.
Section I begins in Lagos and carries a contract value of over ₦1 trillion. Section II includes difficult swampy terrain and flyovers linking key industrial areas.
These figures explain why the government wants tight control over how people use the road.
A project of this size needs strong protection from the first day of operation.
What This Means for Road Users
Okada and keke operators will need to use alternative routes.
Truck drivers must avoid parking on the highway and bridges.
Motorists should also expect stronger enforcement along the corridor.
For commuters, the restriction may improve safety if the government enforces it well.
High-speed roads are not safe for motorcycles and tricycles. They increase accident risks, especially when they mix with heavy vehicles and fast-moving traffic.
For truck operators, the main issue is parking discipline. The government wants heavy-duty vehicles to stop using road shoulders and bridges as waiting points.
What This Means for Businesses
The restriction has a business angle.
The coastal highway is not just a road project. It is part of Nigeria’s wider plan to cut logistics costs and connect coastal markets.
If the road works well, businesses can move goods faster between ports, industrial zones and commercial cities.
But poor traffic control can reduce that value.
Illegal parking, refuse dumping and unregulated transport activity can damage the road and slow movement.
That is why enforcement matters.
A well-managed corridor can support trade. A poorly managed one can become another congested route.
Expert View
The Federal Government is right to protect the highway early.
Major roads lose value when authorities allow disorder to grow around them. Okada activity, truck parking and roadside dumping can quickly weaken safety and road quality.
But enforcement must be organised.
The government should provide clear alternative routes for motorcycles and tricycles. It should also create proper truck holding bays and rest areas.
A ban without alternatives can move the problem to nearby communities.
For the restriction to work, federal and state agencies must coordinate. Lagos already has traffic enforcement structures. The Ministry of Works should align with them to avoid confusion.
The goal should not only be punishment. It should be safer movement, better road discipline and longer infrastructure life.
The Bigger Picture
Nigeria is investing heavily in transport infrastructure.
But building roads is only one part of the work. The country must also manage those roads properly.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway will only deliver value if it remains safe, clean and functional.
The new restriction shows that the government wants to prevent misuse before it becomes a bigger problem.
The real test will be enforcement.
If the government applies the rules fairly and provides alternatives, the highway can become a stronger trade and logistics corridor.
If enforcement becomes weak or selective, the same problems may return.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the Federal Government ban?
The Federal Ministry of Works banned commercial motorcycles and tricycles from operating on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
Are trucks banned from the highway?
No. The government did not announce a total truck ban. It warned against indiscriminate parking by trucks and articulated vehicles along the highway and bridges.
When does the restriction start?
The restriction takes effect this week, according to the Federal Ministry of Works.
Why did the government introduce the restriction?
The government says it wants to protect the highway, improve road safety and prevent early damage to the infrastructure.
Does the rule affect bridges in Lagos?
Yes. The ministry said the restriction on unauthorised truck parking also applies to bridges across Lagos State.
Will there be enforcement?
Yes. The ministry said task force officials will be deployed at strategic points along the highway.
Why is the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway important?
The highway is planned as a 700-kilometre transport corridor linking Lagos to Calabar along Nigeria’s coastline. It is expected to support trade, logistics, tourism and regional movement.
What should road users do now?
Okada and keke operators should use alternative routes. Truck drivers should avoid parking on the highway or bridges. Motorists should follow the new signs and comply with enforcement officials.
