The Federal Government has officially named the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway after President Bola Tinubu, citing his role in conceiving the project during his tenure as governor of Lagos State.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, announced the decision on Thursday during a media briefing in Abuja, describing the highway as one of the administration’s flagship infrastructure projects.
According to Umahi, the ministry resolved to name the road the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Coastal Highway in recognition of the President’s long-standing vision for the project.
He said the idea for the coastal corridor was conceived by Tinubu nearly three decades ago and has now become a reality under his administration.
“It is one thing to have a vision and another to bring it to fruition. This project reflects a dream that dates back about 27 years and is now being implemented,” Umahi said.
The minister explained that the decision was reached after consultations within the Ministry of Works, including discussions with the permanent secretary, minister of state and other senior officials.
Umahi also disclosed that President Tinubu had approved the extension of the fourth legacy highway by an additional 400 kilometres, increasing its total length to about 1,100 kilometres.
In addition, he announced presidential approval for the reconstruction of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway using reinforced concrete pavement technology, completion of the long-abandoned Ibi Bridge project in Taraba State, construction of the 5.76-kilometre Lau Bridge and further dualisation works on the East-West Road.
Providing updates on the coastal highway, Umahi said construction was advancing on several sections of the 750-kilometre route.
He noted that the first segment, stretching from Victoria Island to Eleko in Lagos State, is being developed as a model corridor for modern highway infrastructure.
According to him, the second section, which runs from Eleko to the Lagos-Ogun border, has reached about 60 per cent completion and is expected to be substantially completed by November.
The minister added that construction activities are also underway in Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Ogun and Ondo states as work progresses on different segments of the highway.
Umahi said the various road projects approved by the President are aimed at improving transportation networks, promoting national integration and stimulating economic growth across the country.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is one of the Federal Government’s major infrastructure initiatives designed to connect Nigeria’s coastal states and enhance trade, tourism and regional development.