By Aliyu Oyewole
The Federal Government has officially renamed the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing the move as recognition of his long-standing vision for the landmark infrastructure project.
Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, announced the decision on Thursday during a media briefing in Abuja, where he also disclosed fresh approvals for major road and bridge projects across the country.
According to Umahi, the highway will now be known as the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Coastal Highway, following consultations within the Ministry of Works.
“That highway is named President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Coastal Highway,” Umahi said.
“By the powers conferred on me as Minister of Works, in consultation with my Permanent Secretary, the Minister of State, directors and staff of the ministry, we decided to name it after him because of his dream for it.”
The minister said Tinubu first conceived the coastal highway project about 27 years ago while serving as governor of Lagos State, adding that the President deserves recognition for bringing the idea to reality.
“He had that dream about 27 years back as governor of Lagos State. It is one thing to dream and another thing to have the grace of God to actualise that dream. This is one man who dreams and has the grace and divine mandate to actualise that dream,” Umahi stated.
Construction Progresses on Coastal Highway
Umahi said construction is advancing across several sections of the 750-kilometre highway.
He explained that the first section, stretching from Victoria Island to Eleko Village in Lagos, has become a model for modern highway construction, while the second section from Eleko to the Lagos-Ogun boundary is about 60 per cent complete and is expected to be substantially finished by November.
He added that construction activities are also underway in Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Ogun and Ondo states as work continues on different segments of the coastal route.
Tinubu Approves More Highway and Bridge Projects
Beyond the coastal highway, the minister announced that President Tinubu had approved an additional 400-kilometre extension of the Fourth Legacy Highway, increasing its total length to approximately 1,100 kilometres.
He also disclosed approvals for:
- Reconstruction of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway using reinforced concrete pavement.
- Completion of the abandoned Ibi Bridge in Taraba State.
- Construction of the 5.76-kilometre Lau Bridge.
- Dualisation of an additional 400 kilometres of the East-West Road.
Umahi said the projects are designed to improve road connectivity, enhance national integration and stimulate economic growth across different parts of the country.
He expressed confidence that the expanded road infrastructure programme would strengthen transportation networks and support commerce nationwide.
