Key Takeaways
- The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway has been renamed the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Coastal Highway in recognition of his vision for the project.
- The idea for the highway was conceived by Tinubu about 27 years ago during his tenure as Lagos governor.
- President Tinubu has approved the extension of the Fourth Legacy Highway by an additional 400 kilometres.
The Federal Government has made a significant announcement, renaming the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway in honour of President Bola Tinubu. This decision, announced by Minister of Works Dave Umahi, acknowledges Tinubu's role in initiating the idea behind the 750-kilometre highway, which was conceived nearly three decades ago during his tenure as governor of Lagos State.
According to Minister Umahi, Tinubu's dream for the coastal highway project dates back about 27 years. The minister described the renaming as a recognition of Tinubu's vision and his ability to actualise his dreams, stating, “It is one thing to dream and another thing to have the grace of God to actualise that dream.”
Infrastructure Development
In addition to the renaming of the highway, President Tinubu has approved several infrastructure projects, including the extension of the Fourth Legacy Highway by an additional 400 kilometres, increasing the planned corridor to about 1,100 kilometres. The President has also approved the reconstruction of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway using reinforced concrete pavement, the completion of the long-abandoned Ibi Bridge in Taraba State, the construction of the 5.76-kilometre Lau Bridge, and the dualisation of another 400 kilometres of the East-West Road.
Construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is progressing across several sections of the project. The first phase, stretching from Victoria Island to Eleko Village in Lagos, is serving as a benchmark for modern highway construction, while the second section, from Eleko to the Lagos-Ogun boundary, is about 60 per cent complete and expected to be substantially delivered by November. Construction is also ongoing in Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Ogun and Ondo states.
Why This Matters
This development highlights the Federal Government's commitment to infrastructure development and recognition of visionary leadership. The renaming of the highway and the approval of new infrastructure projects are expected to have a positive impact on the country's economy and the lives of its citizens.