CHIKA OKEKE writes that the atmosphere was lit as Nigerians residing at the Southern and Eastern route trooped out enmass to witness the unveiling of two years of transformative leadership of the APC-led Federal Government.
Recently, President Bola Tinubu and Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi celebrated their milestone achievements with landmark projects in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
This time, it was the commissioning of the historic Section I of Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and other projects, intended to improve livelihood opportunities in Nigeria.
The 30-kilometre of the 40.7- kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Phase 1, Section I is one of the four Renewed Hope Legacy projects kicked-off by President Tinubu.
Held in Lagos on Saturday, May 31, 2025, the event attracted State Governors, members of the National Assembly, traditional rulers and stakeholders in the Works sector.
Some of the dignitaries were the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio; Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume; governors of Lagos, Ogun, Borno, Imo, Bayelsa, Kogi and Edo States, and others.
Job Creation
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway was designed to enhance the visibility of Nigeria globally and empower thousands of youth with job opportunities.
Despite initial skepticism, the project has been captured as a beacon of progress that connects nine coastal states of Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Edo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River.
News Rider reports that the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway was projected to contribute about $12 billion annually to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) within the first decade.
Inaugurating the project, President Bola Tinubu reflected on the bold strides recorded during his two years in office, under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He identified the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway as a flagship project that encapsulated his commitment to infrastructure development as a driver of economic transformation.
The President emphasised that the project will ease transportation, reduce costs of travel and vehicle maintenance, and drive growth across agriculture, industry, tourism, marine, and commerce while creating thousands of jobs and expanding opportunities for Nigerians.
He described the project as clear evidence of purposeful leadership that delivered tangible results.
Game-changer
The Ministry of Works actively engaged the contractors, an effort that led to the speedy completion of the project.
Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi praised the scope and significance of the project, describing the highway as a game-changer that not only connects nine littoral states but also unlocks vital trade and industrial corridors.
He highlighted the anticipated economic impact, assuring that the project will reduce transportation costs, shorten travel time, stimulate local economies, and create extensive employment opportunities for Nigerians.
He appreciated the President for his visionary leadership, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for approving the project, and the Minister of Finance for providing the counterpart funding.
The Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo reaffirmed the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to national development through the provision of critical infrastructure.
He emphasised that enhancing connectivity and fostering regional integration remain vital pillars for sustainable prosperity.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works, Engr. Funsho Adebiyi expressed heartfelt gratitude to Mr. President.
He likened the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway as a monumental project, noting that it will not only benefit the nine states on the project corridor, but the entire nation.
He emphasised that the project stands as a symbol of unity, progress, and a shared national vision for a more prosperous future.
Economic Revitalisation
Members of the National assembly and state governors spiced up the event with thought-provoking words that highlighted the economic potentials of the project.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio lauded the transformative potential of the project, spotlighting the strategic partnership between the government and private sector such as Hitech Construction Company.
He described the highway as a backbone for economic revitalisation that will attract investment and create new avenues for economic empowerment.
Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma commended President Tinubu’s resilience and clarity of purpose, recognising the highway as a powerful symbol of leadership.
Uzodima, who doubles as the Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum was excited with the project’s pivotal role in national and economic development.
Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun described the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway as a legacy of visionary leadership and focused execution.
He underscored its visible socio-economic impact through improved interstate connectivity and increased commercial activity, stressing that the project will significantly improve lives and economies across southern Nigeria.
Other completed projects in the Southern part of the country were symbolically commissioned by the President.
They are Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Phase 1, Section I (Shagamu-Ibadan) in Ogun and Oyo states; Ikorodu-Shagamu Road in Lagos and Ogun states; Lagos-Badagry Expressway (Agbara Junction) between Nigeria-Benin Border in Lagos state; and East-West Road, Section II, Subsection I, (Eleme Junction-Ahoada in Rivers state.
Also, upgraded 15km of the East-West Road (Eleme Junction-Onne Port Junction) in Rivers state; newly constructed bridge to replace the near-collapsed one at Akpoha in Ebonyi state; rehabilitated Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, Section III (Enugu-Lokpanta) in Enugu state; reconstructed collapsed bridge at New Artisan Market in Enugu on the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, and Alesi-Ugep Road (Iyamoyung-Ugep) in Cross River state.
Some projects were symbolically flagged off at the Eastern and Western axis of Nigeria. They are Ibadan-Ife-Ilesha-Akure-Benin Road in Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Edo states; Nembe-Brass Road, Section II in Bayelsa state; and Section (107 Kilometres) of the Enugu-Onitsha Dual Carriageway in Enugu and Anambra states.
The completed and ongoing projects across the country were in fulfilment of the campaign promises made by APC-led administration to improve the living standard of Nigerians.
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