FG Bars Motorcycles, Tricycles From Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Over Safety Concerns

The Federal Government has banned motorcycles and tricycles from operating on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, citing safety concerns and the need to maintain the highway as a high-capacity transport corridor. The decision is expected to affect thousands of commuters and transport operators who rely on these vehicles for daily mobility and income.

The Federal Government has banned the operation of motorcycles and tricycles on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, citing safety concerns and the need to preserve the integrity of the major transport corridor.
The decision comes as construction progresses on the ambitious highway project, which is expected to connect several coastal states and improve transportation, trade and economic activities across southern Nigeria.
While officials say the restriction is necessary to ensure safety and smooth traffic flow, the move is likely to affect thousands of commuters and transport operators who rely on motorcycles and tricycles for their daily livelihoods.

Motorcycles and tricycles are frequently involved in road accidents across Nigeria, prompting concerns about their suitability on major highways designed for faster-moving vehicles.
Officials argue that restricting their operations on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway will help minimise risks to road users and improve overall traffic management.
The government has also stressed that the highway is being developed as a modern infrastructure project intended to support long-distance travel and commercial transportation.

For many operators, motorcycles and tricycles provide a primary source of income, supporting families and small businesses.
Commuters, particularly those living in communities along the highway corridor, may also need to seek alternative means of transportation.
Transport unions and affected residents are likely to closely monitor how the policy is implemented and whether alternative arrangements will be introduced.

Supporters say the road could improve regional trade, reduce travel time, attract investment and stimulate economic growth in coastal communities.
The project is also expected to create jobs and support tourism by improving access to various destinations across southern Nigeria.
However, the scale of the project has also generated debate over funding, environmental concerns and the impact on affected communities.

Some stakeholders argue that adequate public transport systems should be developed to ease the transition and reduce hardship for affected commuters.
Others have called for designated service roads or alternative routes that could accommodate motorcycles and tricycles without compromising safety on the main highway.

The effectiveness of the policy may depend on enforcement, public awareness and the availability of viable transport alternatives for affected communities.
Stakeholders, including transport unions, residents and road users, are expected to engage government authorities on concerns arising from the implementation.

As the country invests in major road projects, policymakers may increasingly face the challenge of balancing modern infrastructure development with the livelihoods of informal transport operators.
How authorities manage this transition could influence public acceptance of future transport reforms and shape the evolution of mobility across Nigeria.