The Federal Government has strongly condemned acts of vandalism along the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, warning that anyone caught damaging infrastructure will face prosecution under the law, officials said during an inspection of the project on Saturday.

The condemnation was issued by Senator David Umahi, the Minister of Works, who described the deliberate cutting of metal fences, opening of manholes for refuse dumping and other acts of sabotage as unacceptable and harmful to the ongoing development of the strategic coastal corridor linking Lagos to Calabar.

Umahi, speaking during a tour of the highway construction site in Lagos, said the vandalism threatens the safety and integrity of the road and undermines efforts to complete the project on schedule. He said the ministry will support law enforcement agencies with fuel and allowances to strengthen patrols along the route and deter further destructive behaviour.

“This infrastructure is for the betterment of all Nigerians,” the minister said adding that “anyone caught vandalising government property should be charged to court immediately.” He noted that a seven-man Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) legal team has been assembled to handle any litigation related to offences on the highway.

The works ministry also announced plans to install temporary measures to seal open manholes and reduce easy access points for vandals while urging local communities to protect the project and refrain from behaviours that could delay its completion.

The Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway is a major federal infrastructure project expected to boost connectivity along Nigeria’s southern coast once completed. Government officials emphasised that protecting public assets and holding offenders accountable is critical to safeguarding national development.