The Federal Government has officially renamed the 750-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing the massive infrastructure project as the realization of a vision the President conceived nearly three decades ago.
The announcement was made on Thursday by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, during a media briefing. He said the decision was reached after consultations with the leadership and management of the Federal Ministry of Works.
According to Umahi, the ministry resolved to immortalise President Tinubu by naming the entire coastal highway after him in recognition of his commitment to the project.
“By the power conferred on me as the Honourable Minister of Works, and in consultation with the Permanent Secretary, the Minister of State, the directors and the entire staff of the ministry, we have decided to name the entire Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This is a dream that Mr President had about 27 years ago,” Umahi stated.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway stretches approximately 750 kilometres and is expected to connect Lagos to Calabar through several coastal states. The road is designed to improve transportation, strengthen regional connectivity, promote tourism, enhance trade, and stimulate economic growth across Nigeria’s coastline.
The multi-trillion-naira project is one of the flagship infrastructure initiatives of the Tinubu administration, with an estimated completion cost of about ₦15 trillion. Several sections of the highway are already approaching completion.
Government officials have maintained that the project will significantly reduce travel time, improve access to ports, encourage interstate commerce, and attract investments to coastal communities.
Since construction began in March 2024, however, the highway has attracted public scrutiny. Critics have questioned the project’s cost, procurement process, and route alignment, while concerns have also been raised over the demolition of properties along parts of the corridor.
Despite the criticisms, the Federal Government has consistently defended the project, insisting that all procurement procedures were followed and arguing that its long-term economic and developmental benefits outweigh the initial challenges associated with its execution.
READ ALSO:
- Telecom Emerges as Key Infrastructure for Nigeria’s Economy
- Nigeria’s Aviation Market Ranks Fourth-Largest in Africa – FAAN
- CBN Cuts Interest Rate to 23% From 26.5%
- King Sunny Ade Celebrates 80th Birthday, Fans Pay Tribute to Jùjú Music Legend
- Governor Dauda Lawal Approves 95% Salary Increase for Health Workers
