FG Renames Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway After President Bola Tinubu

 

The Federal Government has officially renamed the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Coastal Highway, describing the landmark infrastructure project as the fulfillment of a vision first conceived by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu nearly three decades ago.

The Federal Government has renamed the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway after President Bola Tinubu, while announcing new road projects, highway extensions, and major infrastructure approvals across Nigeria.

The announcement was made on Thursday by the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, during a media briefing in Abuja, where he also unveiled several new road infrastructure approvals aimed at boosting connectivity and economic growth across Nigeria.

Why the Highway Was Renamed

According to Umahi, the decision to rename the highway was reached after consultations within the Ministry of Works to recognize Tinubu's long-standing vision for the ambitious coastal road project.

"That highway is named President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Coastal Highway," Umahi announced.

He explained that Tinubu first conceived the idea while serving as Governor of Lagos State about 27 years ago, adding that the President deserves recognition for turning the vision into reality.

"It is one thing to dream and another thing to have the grace of God to actualise that dream. This is one man who dreams and has the grace and divine mandate to actualise that dream," the minister said.

The Federal Government has renamed the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway after President Bola Tinubu, while announcing new road projects, highway extensions, and major infrastructure approvals across Nigeria.

 

Progress on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway

Umahi disclosed that construction is progressing across several sections of the 750-kilometre highway, one of Nigeria's biggest road infrastructure projects.

He revealed that:

• The Victoria Island to Eleko Village section is serving as the model phase of the project.
• The Eleko to Lagos-Ogun boundary section is about 60% complete and is expected to be substantially completed by November 2026.
• Construction is also ongoing in Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Ogun, and Ondo States.

The highway is expected to improve transportation, reduce travel time, and enhance trade along Nigeria's southern coastline.

Tinubu Approves Major New Road Projects

Beyond the highway renaming, Umahi announced that President Tinubu had approved several additional infrastructure projects, including:

• A 400-kilometre extension of the Fourth Legacy Highway, increasing its total length to approximately 1,100 kilometres.
• Reconstruction of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway using reinforced concrete pavement.
• Completion of the abandoned Ibi Bridge in Taraba State.
• Construction of the 5.76-kilometre Lau Bridge.
• Dualisation of an additional 400 kilometres of the East-West Road.

According to the minister, these projects are designed to strengthen Nigeria's transport network and stimulate economic development nationwide.

Boosting Economic Growth and National Connectivity

Umahi said the Federal Government's investment in road infrastructure will improve interstate connectivity, facilitate commerce, attract investment, and promote national integration.

He added that the projects align with the Tinubu administration's broader infrastructure agenda aimed at modernizing Nigeria's transportation system and supporting long-term economic growth.

Mixed Reactions Expected

The decision to rename the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway after President Tinubu is expected to generate public debate, with supporters describing it as recognition of his role in initiating the project, while critics may question the timing and appropriateness of naming a major national asset after a sitting president.