Southeast Governors Unanimously Back Tinubu; Lagos-Calabar Highway to be Tolled by December

ABUJA – In a significant show of political alignment, Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, has revealed that all governors in the Southeast region are fully supporting President Bola Tinubu’s administration, irrespective of their political affiliations. He also announced that a section of the ambitious Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is nearing completion and will commence toll collection by December this year.

These revelations came during a feature interview for an upcoming State House documentary commemorating President Tinubu’s second anniversary in office. Umahi used the platform to urge prominent opposition figures, such as former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, to set aside political differences and join the growing chorus of support for the President.

“All the governors in the South East, regardless of party affiliation, are working with the President,” Umahi stated emphatically. “We’re even planning a summit to bring together all South-East leaders to endorse the President for the 2027 elections formally. We want our projects to be completed, the country’s unity to be strengthened and proper integration of Ndi Igbo.”

The Minister highlighted a “new wave of federal attention and infrastructure development” sweeping across the Southeast under President Tinubu’s leadership. He cited numerous ongoing federal projects in Ebonyi State and the unprecedented appointment of a Minister of Works from the region, a first in Nigeria’s history. Key infrastructure projects in the Southeast, including the Port Harcourt-Enugu, Enugu-Abakaliki, Enugu-Onitsha, and Onitsha-Owerri roads, along with the Second Niger Bridge (for which 30% of the cost has already been paid), are all receiving significant federal attention.

Umahi extended a direct appeal to Peter Obi, urging him to join the collective effort. “Leadership is not about self—it’s about the people. If someone else is already doing what you would have done for your people, support him. I call on my brother, His Excellency Peter Obi, to join us and work with Mr. President. He must be part of this summit where we will collectively endorse President Tinubu for the 2027 election. I say it boldly: the South East is happy with the President.”

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Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway on Track for December Tolling

Providing updates on major national projects, Senator Umahi confirmed significant progress on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. He revealed that over 80% of Section 1, which spans 47.47 kilometers from Ahmadu Bello Way to the Lekki Deep Sea Port and ends at Eleko Junction, has been completed. Work is also advancing on Section 2, covering 55 kilometers from Eleko Junction to the Lagos-Ogun border.

“By December, we will toll Section 1 of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway,” Umahi announced. “We project a 10-year return on investment. The road has solar-powered lighting and CCTV infrastructure and offers carbon credit advantages. It is more than a road—it is an economic corridor and a catalyst for regional growth.”

Sections 3 and 3B, totaling 65 kilometers across Cross River and Akwa Ibom states, were flagged off just days prior, demonstrating the rapid pace of work. These are six-lane, concrete-paved highways, signaling a commitment to durable infrastructure.

Beyond the coastal highway, Umahi also highlighted the transformative potential of other projects under President Tinubu’s administration, including the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway and the Trans-Saharan Trade Route, which he noted were visions dating back decades. He also mentioned the upcoming Ogun-Ondo-Niger Corridor.

Umahi lauded President Tinubu’s foresight, stating, “God gave him the vision for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway seven years ago. Today, he is actualizing that vision.” He reiterated that these legacy projects are designed to be economically viable, environmentally sustainable, and forward-looking, ultimately unlocking Nigeria’s economic potential and fostering regional integration.