Works Controller Decries Theft Of Manhole Covers On Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway

The federal controller of works in Lagos, Engineer Olufemi Dare, has condemned the theft of 1,800 manhole covers from the Lagos section of the Lagos-Calabar coastal road since January 2026, as the Lagos State police command intensifies effort to protect the multi-billion-naira project from vandals and other criminal activities.

He disclosed this at a joint press conference with the Lagos State commissioner of police, Mr Fatai Tijani, at the Lagos State Police Command yesterday.

Dare said the vandalism had also led to the removal of about one kilometre of clear-view fencing and 75 directional signs installed along the coastal road.

He explained that the manhole covers were being broken by suspected vandals, who removed the reinforcement materials inside them, while sections of the metal fencing were also dismantled and taken away.

According to him, the continued vandalism is undermining efforts by the federal government to develop critical infrastructure and improve connectivity along the coastal corridor.

He commended the Lagos State Police Command and the recently launched Coastal Guards for their support in securing the project, saying their collaboration had contributed to the arrest of several suspects.

He disclosed that about 12 suspects had been arrested in connection with activities around the coastal road, including nine suspected vandals and three persons allegedly involved in operating illegal U-turns and collecting money from motorists.

The controller warned that the coastal road would not be allowed to become a haven for criminal activities, stressing that security agencies would continue to clamp down on those undermining the project.