The Federal Government has renamed the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying the decision is in recognition of his vision for the landmark infrastructure project conceived decades ago.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, announced the development during a media briefing in Abuja on Thursday, describing the project as one of Tinubu’s long-standing dreams that has now become a reality.
Umahi Explains Decision
Umahi said the decision to rename the highway followed consultations with the leadership and staff of the Federal Ministry of Works.
“That highway is named President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Coastal Highway,” the minister said.
“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.”
According to him, Tinubu first conceived the coastal highway about 27 years ago while serving as Governor of Lagos State.
“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. This is one man who dreams and has the grace and divine mandate to actualise that dream,” Umahi added.
More Road Projects Approved
The minister also revealed that President Tinubu approved the extension of the Fourth Legacy Highway by an additional 400 kilometres, increasing the strategic corridor to about 1,100 kilometres.
He said the President also approved the reconstruction of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway with reinforced concrete pavement, the completion of the abandoned Ibi Bridge in Taraba State, the construction of the 5.76-kilometre Lau Bridge, and the dualisation of another 400 kilometres of the East-West Road.
Work Progresses on Coastal Highway
Umahi disclosed that construction is advancing across different sections of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
He said the second section, stretching from Eleko to the Lagos-Ogun boundary, is about 60 per cent complete and is expected to be substantially completed by November.
According to the minister, the projects are expected to improve road connectivity, promote national integration and stimulate economic activities across the country.
