Tinubu Unveils Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Phase I Amidst Warnings to Developers,Calls for Local Content

Lagos, Nigeria – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday, May 31, 2025, commissioned the first phase of the ambitious Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, a landmark infrastructure project designed to revolutionize connectivity and stimulate economic growth across Nigeria’s southern corridor. The commissioning ceremony in Lagos also saw the President inaugurate several other significant road projects nationwide, while delivering a stern warning to real estate developers regarding adherence to building regulations.

The commissioned segment of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, officially designated as Phase I, Section I, spans 30 kilometers from Ahmadu Bello Way to the Eleko Village Area in the Lekki Peninsula. This forms a crucial initial part of the much larger 700km iconic project, which is projected to traverse coastal areas of Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Edo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa-Ibom, and Cross River States. The highway, constructed by the Nigerian firm Hitech Construction Company Limited using durable Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement, is a “Renewed Hope Legacy Project” initiated by President Tinubu.

Speaking at the event, President Tinubu reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to local content, technology transfer, and the empowerment of Nigerian professionals. He directed the Minister of Works, David Umahi, and other ministers overseeing federal projects to ensure strict compliance with laws promoting local participation, training of Nigerians, and transfer of technology.

A key highlight of the President’s address was his strong caution to developers who disregard legal building setbacks and approvals. “Let me warn all the developers that the Federal Government will enforce setbacks. If not for anything but for the interest of the nation. Developers who fail to get approvals will not be compensated. We have gazetted and published the setback, and we will enforce it in any way possible,” he declared, emphasizing the importance of urban planning and the rule of law. This comes as the government announced that it has spent a substantial N18 billion on compensation for affected individuals along the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway route, adhering to the President’s directive to prioritize citizen well-being.

President Tinubu lauded Engineer Ronald Chagoury for his pivotal role in protecting Victoria Island and Ikoyi from Atlantic Ocean encroachment, urging further collaboration to achieve seemingly “impossible” feats in infrastructure development. He appealed to Nigerians for continued patience, assuring them that the economy is on a path to recovery, evidenced by foreign exchange stability and a reduction in food prices.

The Minister of Works, Senator Engr. Dr. Nweze David Umahi, hailed the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as a “signpost of holistic road infrastructure transformation” for Africa. He disclosed that the project is being executed under an Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Financing (EPC+F) model, with the contractor bearing significant financial and construction risks while the government provides counterpart funding. Umahi also praised Hitech Construction Company, describing them as “development partners” for their exceptional competence and dedication to nation-building.

Beyond the coastal highway, President Tinubu virtually commissioned a series of other vital road projects across the country, underscoring a nationwide push for improved infrastructure:
South-South Zone:

1.Rehabilitation of Calabar-Ugep-Katsina-Ala Road Section II (Ugep-Katsina-Ala) in Benue/Cross River States.

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2.Dualisation of East-West Road Section II (Sub Section I) Eleme Junction in Port Harcourt – Ahoada in Rivers State.

3.Rehabilitation of Alesi-Ugep (Iyamoyung-Ugep) Section in Cross River State.

4.Upgrading of 15km Section of the East-West Road Port Harcourt (Eleme Junction)-Onne Port Junction in Rivers State.

South East Zone:

1.Rehabilitated Enugu-Port Harcourt Road Section III, Enugu-Lokpanta.

2.A new bridge at Akpoha in Ebonyi State (replacing a near-collapsed structure).

3.Reconstruction of the collapsed Enugu Bridge at New Artisan Market, Enugu-Port Harcourt Road in Enugu State.
South West Zone:

4.Rehabilitation, Construction & Expansion of Lagos-Shagamu-Ibadan Dual Carriageway Section II in Oyo State.

5.Rehabilitation of Ikorodu-Shagamu Road in Lagos State.

6.Emergency comprehensive repair of the Eko Bridge (4.1km) in Lagos State (from Alaka, Surulere-Apongbon including all Ramps).

7.Construction of Deep-Sea Port Access Road in Lagos State through Epe to Shagamu – Benin Expressway in Lagos and Ogun States.

North Central Zone:

1.Construction of the Shendam Bridge in Plateau State.

2.Ilobu-Enrile road in Kwara and Osun States.

North East Zone:

1.Commissioning of the Jimeta Bridge in Yola, Adamawa State.

North West Zone:

1.Reconstructed Yakasai Badume-Damargu-Marken Zalli Roads in Kano State.

2.Reconstruction of Kano-Kwanar Danja Hadeja Section II: Kano-Tsalle in Kano and Jigawa State.

Furthermore, President Tinubu flagged off several new projects, signaling continued infrastructure development: the Ibadan-Ife-Ilesha-Akure-Benin Road; construction of Nembe-Brass Road; a section of Enugu-Onitsha Carriageway; rehabilitation of Zaria-Hunkuyi-Kufur-Gidan Mutum Daya Road; dualization of Kano-Maiduguri Road (Section I: Kano-Wudil-Shuarin); construction of Kano Northern Bypass Road; and the construction of Maiduguri Bypass Road.

The event witnessed a strong show of support from key figures, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who assured the President of the National Assembly’s commitment to economic repositioning. Also in attendance were Governors from Lagos, Delta, Ogun, Edo, Bayelsa, Borno, Ekiti, Kogi, Ondo, Cross River, and Imo States, alongside Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, the Chagoury brothers, and prominent industry captains such as Aliko Dangote, Abdulsamad Rabiu, and UBA Group Chairman Tony Elumelu.

The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is projected to contribute an additional $10-12 billion annually to Nigeria’s GDP within its first decade of operation, boosting sectors like maritime trade, tourism, and fisheries, and creating thousands of jobs. With Phase I, Section I, now commissioned and further segments expected to be completed by January 2026, the project marks a significant stride towards realizing Nigeria’s infrastructure and economic aspirations.