Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway: Stakeholders Applaud Tinubu’s Mega Infrastructure Project

Civil society organisations, opposition figures, and business leaders have hailed the Federal Government’s Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway project, describing it as a transformative initiative for Nigeria’s infrastructure and economy.

The commendations came during a tour of the 750-kilometre highway project in Lagos, where stakeholders urged Nigerians to set aside partisan politics and support national development.

Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, disclosed that the first section of the highway, from Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island to Eleko, Lagos, is projected for completion by May 2026. “We have executed 35 kilometres and have 12 kilometres left,” he said.

Umahi praised the contractor, Hi-Tech, and highlighted the use of concrete for durability. “In executing this project, we safeguarded properties like the Landmark Centre and excavated refuse to align the roads properly,” he added.

He also noted that issues surrounding the WinHomes project and alleged $200 million diaspora investments will be investigated with the involvement of the EFCC, DSS, and civil society groups.

Work on the second section, linking Eleko, Lagos, to Ode-Omi, Ogun State, has already begun, with regular stakeholder briefings planned. “Roads and bridges are critical to GDP growth. President Tinubu understands this, as seen during his tenure as Lagos State Governor,” Umahi said.

Otunba Segun Showunmi, convener of The Alternative and PDP chieftain, stressed the need for consensus around national development. “A nation cannot sustain long-term development without building consensus. Nigeria must invest boldly in legacy infrastructure to compete globally,” he said.

Olufemi Awoyemi, chairman of Proshare Group, described the highway as a model for major infrastructure financing. “It provides an alternative route for cross-country connectivity and demonstrates Nigeria’s capacity to execute large-scale projects,” he said.

Civil society leaders also praised the project. Declan Ihekaire said: “When the government gets it right, we must commend progress. Ultimately, it is the people who benefit from good initiatives.”

In addition to the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, Umahi highlighted three other “legacy projects” designed to connect the country: the 477-kilometre Trans-Saharan Highway, the 422-kilometre Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe Expressway, and the 1,068-kilometre Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway.