The Federal Government has renamed the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway in honour of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing the road as the fulfilment of a vision he conceived many years before becoming Nigeria’s president.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, during a media briefing on the progress of federal road projects in Abuja on Thursday.
Umahi explained that the decision followed approval by the Federal Ministry of Works after consultations involving the ministry’s leadership, including the Permanent Secretary, the Minister of State and senior management officials. According to him, the highway has now been officially designated the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Coastal Highway in recognition of the President’s contribution to the project’s conception and execution.
“That highway is named President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Coastal Highway.”
The minister recalled that Tinubu first conceived the coastal highway while serving as Governor of Lagos State about 27 years ago. He said the President had sustained the idea over the years and eventually provided the leadership needed to begin its implementation after assuming office.
“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.”
Umahi also disclosed that President Tinubu had approved the extension of the Fourth Legacy Highway by an additional 400 kilometres as part of efforts to improve the country’s transport network. He added that sections of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway would also be reconstructed under the government’s ongoing road infrastructure programme.
The Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway is one of the Federal Government’s flagship infrastructure projects. Spanning about 750 kilometres, the road is designed to link Lagos with Cross River State through several coastal states.
Government officials say the project will ease the movement of people and goods, improve access to coastal communities, boost tourism and encourage economic activities across the southern region.
Construction on the highway commenced in March 2024 after President Tinubu took office in May 2023. While the project has generated public debate over its cost and implementation, the Federal Government has consistently defended the investment, maintaining that the road will deliver lasting economic and social benefits by strengthening connectivity, expanding trade opportunities and supporting national development.
The renaming of the highway marks another milestone in the project’s development as construction continues on multiple sections, with the government expressing confidence that the road will become one of Nigeria’s most significant transport corridors upon completion.
