By John Adeola
The Federal Government has officially named the 750-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, announced the decision on Thursday during a media briefing in Abuja.
According to Umahi, the renaming followed wide consultations within the Ministry of Works involving the Permanent Secretary, Minister of State, directors, and other senior officials.
The minister said the coastal road was a long-held vision of the President, one he had conceived about 27 years ago, long before assuming office.
“By the power conferred on me as the Honourable Minister of Works, and in consultation with the Permanent Secretary, the Minister of State, the directors and the entire staff of the ministry, we have decided to name the entire Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Umahi stated.
“This is a dream that Mr President had about 27 years ago,” he added.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is one of the flagship infrastructure projects of the current administration.
When completed, the 750km road will cut across several coastal states, and is expected to improve regional transportation, trade and economic activities.
The project is projected to cost about N15 trillion. Construction began in March 2024 and is already ongoing, with one section nearing completion.
Since work started, the highway has sparked debate across the country.
Supporters say it will boost connectivity and economic growth along Nigeria’s coastline. Critics, however, have raised concerns over the cost, compensation for affected property owners, and other issues related to its execution.
Despite the controversy, the government says work will continue, expressing confidence that the road will deliver long-term benefits to the country when completed.
