President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially commissioned the first phase of the much-anticipated Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to transformative infrastructure while issuing stern warnings to contractors and estate developers who undermine national development through substandard work or encroachment.
The commissioning, which took place in Lagos on Sunday, marked the beginning of the 700-kilometre superhighway intended to connect Nigeria’s coastal states, spanning Lagos to Cross River and catalyse economic activities in the region. The first phase covers over 47 kilometers, beginning from Eko Atlantic City through Lekki Deep Sea Port.
While addressing the gathering, President Tinubu described the project as a “legacy economic corridor” and a strategic move to open up the southern belt of Nigeria for commerce, tourism, and logistics, adding that the road would create thousands of jobs, boost real estate development, and enhance coastal security.
“This is not just a road project; it is a generational economic asset. It will integrate communities, reduce travel time, open up investment corridors and provide opportunities for our people,” the President said.
President Tinubu, however, cautioned contractors against delivering subpar infrastructure, saying the era of “collecting mobilisation funds and abandoning sites” was over. He also warned estate developers encroaching on the right-of-way of federal infrastructure to steer clear or face the full weight of the law.
“Let me make it clear—any contractor that fails to meet quality standards will be blacklisted. Estate developers who obstruct public infrastructure will be prosecuted. We must build for the future, not for shortcuts,” Tinubu stated emphatically.
Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, who accompanied the President, disclosed that the coastal highway is being constructed using modern concrete pavement technology to ensure durability and low maintenance cost. He also assured Nigerians that adequate compensations are being paid to affected property owners and that the government is engaging communities to ensure minimal displacement.
The event also saw the commissioning of other critical roads across Lagos State, including feeder roads connected to the Lekki-Epe corridor and key arterial routes designed to ease congestion and improve movement within the state.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, once completed, is expected to transform Nigeria’s transport network, enhance sub-regional integration, and position the country as a hub for maritime and commercial activities in West Africa.
