FG renames Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway after Tinubu

Nigeria's Federal Government has renamed the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Coastal Highway. Minister of Works, David Umahi, stated that the decision honors President Bola Tinubu's long-standing vision for the project, which he has reportedly held for approximately 27 years since his time as governor of Lagos State.

“

That (coastal) highway is named President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Coastal Highway. 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.

During a media briefing in Abuja, Umahi also revealed that President Tinubu has approved a significant 400-kilometer extension for the Fourth Legacy Highway. This expansion will increase the highway's total length from 700 to 1,100 kilometers, extending its route from Akwanga in Nasarawa State to Maiduguri in Borno State, and now incorporating Taraba State. The minister described this extension as "unprecedented."

Further infrastructure developments include the dualization of another 400 kilometers of the East-West Road, reconstruction of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway using reinforced concrete pavement, completion of the abandoned Ibi Bridge in Taraba State, and the construction of the 5.76-kilometer Lao Bridge. The first section of the Lagos-Calabar highway, a 47.47-kilometer six-lane carriageway from Victoria Island to Lekki, is highlighted as a major infrastructure milestone, featuring a median for a future railway line.

“

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.

Minister Umahi emphasized that these projects are integral to the Federal Government's strategy to enhance national connectivity, boost economic activities, and modernize critical transport infrastructure throughout the country. The decision to rename the highway was made by the Ministry of Works following consultations with its leadership and staff.

“

The greatest story is that yesterday President Bola Tinubu approved the addition of 400 kilometres to our Fourth Legacy Road. That is an 800-kilometre road now extended to 1,100 kilometres, and that is unprecedented.