President Bola Tinubu is set to commission the completed portion of Phase I, Section I of the ambitious Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway today at kilometer 8 in the Jakande Estate area of Lagos State. This 30-kilometer stretch marks a significant milestone in the 750-kilometer project, a cornerstone of the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at transforming Nigeria’s southern corridor through enhanced connectivity, economic growth, and regional integration. The ceremony, attended by top government officials, state governors, National Assembly members, and development partners, underscores the administration’s commitment to delivering transformative infrastructure projects across the nation.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, a vision championed by President Tinubu over two decades ago, is designed to connect nine coastal states—Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River—fostering seamless trade, tourism, and social cohesion. Once completed, the 750-kilometer highway will serve as a vital artery for Nigeria’s economic landscape, linking major commercial hubs, port cities, and tourist destinations along the Atlantic coastline. The 30-kilometer segment being commissioned today is a testament to the government’s resolve to deliver on its promise of modernizing Nigeria’s infrastructure, despite economic challenges and competing national priorities.
The project, executed under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Works, is not just about asphalt and concrete but about creating opportunities for millions of Nigerians. The highway is expected to reduce travel time, lower transportation costs, and stimulate economic activities in coastal communities. From the bustling markets of Lagos to the serene beaches of Calabar, the project promises to unlock the economic potential of Nigeria’s southern region, positioning it as a hub for commerce, agriculture, and tourism. The completed section, meticulously engineered to withstand environmental challenges such as coastal erosion, showcases cutting-edge construction techniques and a commitment to sustainability.
In addition to commissioning the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway segment, President Tinubu will virtually flag off several other critical infrastructure projects across the country, demonstrating a nationwide approach to development. These include the dualization of the East-West Road Section II (Eleme Junction to Ahoada in Rivers State), the rehabilitation of the Lagos-Ibadan Dual Carriageway (Shagamu-Ibadan), and the Alesi-Ugep Road in Cross River. These projects, strategically selected to address long-standing connectivity gaps, are expected to enhance the movement of goods and people, reduce road accidents, and boost economic productivity in their respective regions.
Furthermore, President Tinubu will initiate new projects, including the Ibadan-Ife-Ilesha-Akure-Benin Road and the Nembe-Brass Road, signaling a forward-looking agenda to sustain Nigeria’s infrastructure momentum. The Ibadan-Ife-Ilesha-Akure-Benin Road will strengthen connectivity between Nigeria’s southwest and south-south regions, while the Nembe-Brass Road will open up access to the resource-rich but underserved communities in Bayelsa State. These initiatives align with the administration’s broader goal of creating a robust national road network that supports industrialization, job creation, and inclusive economic growth.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, in particular, has garnered significant attention for its scale and ambition. Spanning 750 kilometers, the highway is being constructed in phases, with Phase I focusing on the Lagos axis. The completed 30-kilometer section, which includes modern drainage systems, pedestrian walkways, and eco-friendly design elements, sets a high standard for the remaining segments. The project has already created thousands of direct and indirect jobs, from construction workers to local suppliers, and is expected to generate even more employment opportunities as it progresses. Local communities along the route have expressed optimism about the transformative impact of the highway, with small business owners anticipating increased customer traffic and farmers looking forward to easier access to markets.
President Tinubu’s personal connection to the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway adds a layer of significance to today’s commissioning. As a visionary leader who conceptualized the project over two decades ago, his administration has prioritized its revival and execution, navigating complex funding and logistical challenges to bring it to fruition. The project also reflects Tinubu’s broader vision of leveraging infrastructure to drive Nigeria’s economic diversification, reduce dependence on oil, and position the country as a regional economic powerhouse.
The commissioning ceremony, set to take place at the iconic Jakande Estate, named after the late former Lagos State Governor Alhaji Lateef Jakande, is a fitting tribute to Nigeria’s legacy of visionary leadership. The event will feature a diverse array of stakeholders, including representatives from development finance institutions, traditional rulers, and community leaders, all of whom have played a role in supporting the project’s progress. The presence of state governors from the nine coastal states underscores the collaborative spirit of the initiative, which transcends regional boundaries to unite Nigeria’s south in a shared vision of progress.
As Nigeria stands at the cusp of this transformative moment, the commissioning of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway segment is more than a ribbon-cutting ceremony; it is a bold statement of intent. It signals the Tinubu administration’s unwavering commitment to building a Nigeria that is connected, prosperous, and resilient. With additional projects being flagged off and a clear roadmap for future development, today’s event marks a pivotal step in Nigeria’s journey toward sustainable growth and development.
For Nigerians, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway represents hope—a promise of better roads, thriving businesses, and stronger communities. As the project moves forward, it will continue to inspire optimism and serve as a reminder that, with vision and determination, Nigeria can overcome its challenges and build a brighter future for all its citizens.
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