President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially commissioned the completed 30-kilometre stretch of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, alongside several other landmark road projects in Southern Nigeria, as part of activities marking his second year in office.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony in Lagos, President Tinubu highlighted the project as a centerpiece of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, describing it as a transformative effort to drive national economic growth through critical infrastructure.
Tinubu acknowledged the initial skepticism surrounding the ambitious Coastal Highway, but celebrated its progress as a “beacon of hope and progress,” poised to connect nine coastal states — Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Edo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River. The highway is projected to contribute up to $12 billion annually to Nigeria’s GDP over its first decade of operation.
According to the President, the project is expected to significantly ease transportation, reduce travel time and vehicle maintenance costs, and boost sectors such as agriculture, tourism, commerce, and marine logistics. Most importantly, it will create thousands of jobs and expand economic opportunities for millions of Nigerians.
Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, described the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as a “game-changer”, emphasizing its capacity to connect vital trade corridors, stimulate industrial development, and foster regional integration.
Umahi extended appreciation to President Tinubu for his vision and leadership, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for its support, and the Minister of Finance for providing counterpart funding to ensure the project’s progress.
Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to national development through robust infrastructure delivery. He noted that projects like the Coastal Highway symbolize the government’s resolve to create a modern and resilient transportation network.
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, lauded the project as a legacy of focused leadership, adding that its impact on interstate connectivity and commercial activity is already visible and far-reaching.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Works, Engr. Funsho Adebiyi, welcomed dignitaries to the event and described the project as a national milestone. He praised it as a symbol of unity, progress, and a shared vision for a more prosperous Nigeria.
In addition to the Coastal Highway, President Tinubu symbolically commissioned several completed infrastructure projects across the Southern region. These include:
- Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Phase 1, Section I (Shagamu-Ibadan) – Ogun & Oyo States
- Ikorodu-Shagamu Road – Lagos & Ogun States
- Lagos-Badagry Expressway (Agbara Junction – Nigeria-Benin Border) – Lagos State
- Dualisation of East-West Road, Section II, Subsection I (Eleme Junction-Ahoada) – Rivers State
- Upgrade of East-West Road (Eleme Junction-Onne Port Junction) – Rivers State
- Construction of new bridge at Akpoha – Ebonyi State
- Rehabilitation of Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, Section III (Enugu-Lokpanta) – Enugu State
- Reconstructed collapsed bridge at New Artisan Market – Enugu State
- Alesi-Ugep Road (Iyamoyung-Ugep) – Cross River State
The President also flagged off major new projects, including:
- Rehabilitation of Ibadan-Ife-Ilesha-Akure-Benin Road – Oyo, Osun, Ondo & Edo States
- Nembe-Brass Road, Section II – Bayelsa State
- 107-km Section of the Enugu-Onitsha Dual Carriageway – Enugu & Anambra States
The event was attended by a high-profile delegation, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Secretary to the Government of the Federation Sen. George Akume, and the Governors of Lagos, Ogun, Borno, Imo, Bayelsa, Kogi, and Edo States. Also present were traditional rulers, industry leaders, contractors, and other stakeholders.
