Nigeria to Build Africa’s First Underwater Tunnel Linking Lagos, Calabar, Sokoto, and Badagry Highways

The Federal Government has unveiled plans to construct a 2.9-kilometre underwater tunnel in Lagos, a project that would mark the first of its kind in Africa. The initiative is designed to enhance connectivity between the Lagos–Calabar coastal highway and the Sokoto–Badagry corridor.

Project Scope and Funding Model

Minister of Works, David Umahi, announced the project during an inspection tour of key infrastructure sites in Lagos on Wednesday. According to him, the tunnel will connect Ahmadu Bello Way to Snake Island, with an extension toward Badagry.

The project is expected to be delivered under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework. Umahi explained that land resources around Snake Island and Badagry will be leveraged to finance the development through a Build-Operate-Transfer model.

“We have land at Snake Island and by Badagry. We hope to use this land under PPP to fund the project, under Build, Operate, and Transfer,” he stated.

Strategic Importance

The tunnel is part of the Federal Government’s broader transport vision to ease traffic on existing Lagos bridges and integrate coastal and inland trade corridors. By linking the Lagos–Calabar highway with the Sokoto–Badagry route, the project is expected to improve logistics, reduce congestion, and create new investment opportunities in surrounding communities.

For Nigeria’s business and real estate sectors, the infrastructure could open new growth nodes in Snake Island, Badagry, and adjoining corridors. Improved accessibility is likely to attract industrial development, tourism investments, and residential expansion.

Indigenous Contractor Policy

Umahi also used the briefing to clarify the government’s new procurement framework. Under the revised policy, expatriate firms will no longer be eligible for contracts below ₦20 billion, while indigenous contractors are granted priority access to such projects.

“We are saying that expatriate firms will no longer do jobs below ₦20 billion. But indigenous contractors are capable, and they can handle jobs in billions and trillions,” the minister said.

This move aligns with the government’s “Nigeria First” policy, aimed at boosting local participation in infrastructure delivery.

Quality Assurance and Contractor Sanctions

In addition to announcing the tunnel project, Umahi reiterated that contractors must adhere to stricter construction standards. He cited recurring issues such as leaving binder courses on roads uncovered, which accelerates deterioration.

“Contractors that fail to comply risk negative certificates, and we will recover monies from their jobs,” Umahi warned.

Outlook

If delivered, the Lagos underwater tunnel will set a continental milestone and reshape Nigeria’s transport infrastructure. Beyond easing urban congestion, the project could unlock long-term economic value by integrating trade routes and stimulating corridor-led development.