In a heartfelt plea to citizens, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerians to exercise patience with his administration, assuring the nation that the current sacrifices being made are not in vain and that the promise of a better Nigeria remains within reach. The President made the appeal during the official inauguration of Phase 1, Section 1 of the ambitious Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project on Saturday.
Addressing the gathering at the event, President Tinubu acknowledged the economic challenges being faced by ordinary Nigerians, but remained optimistic, stating that meaningful reforms are underway and their results are already beginning to surface. According to him, inflationary pressures are beginning to ease, while critical loopholes that once enabled widespread corruption in the fuel subsidy regime and foreign exchange system have been significantly curtailed.
“I understand the pain our people are going through. Expectations are high, and the journey has not been easy. But I ask, in good faith, for continued patience. Hope is not lost, it is here, and it is real. Nigerians will reap the rewards of these reforms. There is light at the end of the tunnel,” the President assured.
He emphasized that the overarching goal of his administration’s policies is to ease the burden on the average Nigerian by encouraging local manufacturing, reducing production costs, and creating an environment that supports sustainable economic growth. Tinubu also extended prayers for the safety of Nigerian soldiers and the prosperity of the nation and Lagos State, where the project is being flagged off.
On the issue of illegal developments along the highway corridor, President Tinubu issued a stern warning to developers constructing on lands without proper federal approval. He noted that only properties that comply with official guidelines would be eligible for compensation. “Let me reiterate clearly: development without federal approval will not be compensated. The setbacks have been gazetted and published, and enforcement will be strict. The Federal Government cannot fold its arms when national interest is at stake,” he stated firmly.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, spanning 750 kilometres in total, is one of the largest infrastructure undertakings in recent times and is designed to link major cities and boost economic activity across the southern corridor of the country. Phase 1, Section 1 of the highway, which was inaugurated, covers a stretch of 30 kilometres and features a six-lane carriageway with a 60-meter-wide corridor.
The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, speaking at the event, explained that the construction did not infringe on landmark properties, but only affected encroachments along the federal shoreline. Citing a Supreme Court ruling, the minister affirmed that 250 metres from the shoreline is legally owned by the Federal Government, and any development within this zone without approval is subject to removal.
He added that President Tinubu had instructed that governors of states with major federal projects should provide a minimum setback of 500 metres from the edge of the road corridor, which will form part of future tolling operations. Umahi also clarified that, by law, compensation is not due for informal or illegal structures such as shanties along the construction route. However, in a show of empathy, the President approved financial compensation for affected persons.
To date, the federal government has paid out approximately ₦18 billion in compensation for the first phase of the project, according to the Works Minister.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, once completed, is expected to drastically improve interconnectivity between major economic zones, enhance trade and tourism, and stimulate long-term regional development, providing new opportunities for employment and investment across several states in southern Nigeria.
