Tinubu commissions first phase of Lagos-Calabar Highway, warns developers on setbacks

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday commissioned the first phase of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and several other key infrastructure projects across Nigeria, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to local content, sustainability, and the rule of law.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony in Lagos, Tinubu warned real estate developers and contractors to strictly observe legal setbacks and building approvals or risk losing compensation.

“Let me warn all the developers that the Federal Government will enforce setbacks,” the President said. “If not for anything, but for the interest of the nation. Developers who fail to get approvals will not be compensated. We have gazetted and published the setback, and we will enforce it in any way possible.”

He also directed the Minister of Works, David Umahi, and other federal officials to ensure that all ongoing projects adhere to Nigerian content laws, emphasize technology transfer, and prioritize the training of local workers.

“We will not compromise on the training of Nigerians and the transfer of technology,” Tinubu declared. “This infrastructure drive must empower our people and build local capacity.”

The event marked the official opening of Phase I, Section I of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, covering the stretch from Ahmadu Bello Way to Eleko Village in Lekki, part of the broader 700-kilometre coastal corridor connecting eight states across the South and South-South regions.

Describing the highway as a landmark initiative, Tinubu stated, “It is with great pleasure, pride, and a sense of fulfilment that I stand here today to commission the completed part of the Lagos – Calabar Coastal Highway Corridor.”

He praised Hitech Construction Company for their execution of the project using Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP), which he said “assures durability” and meets “world-class standards.”

The President also acknowledged the contribution of Engineer Ronald Chagoury, Chairman of the Chagoury Group, for his earlier work in saving parts of Victoria Island and Ikoyi from environmental disaster.

“I said that we would do it, and we did,” Tinubu said. “We averted a disaster greater than a tsunami in Victoria Island and Ikoyi. This is what happens when vision meets action.”

Calling for public support and patience, Tinubu appealed to Nigerians to stay hopeful amid ongoing economic recovery efforts. “Hope is here,” he said. “Our economy is recovering. Foreign exchange is stabilising and food prices are gradually coming down.”

In addition to the coastal highway, the President also commissioned numerous road and bridge projects across the country:

• In the South-South, he inaugurated the rehabilitation of the Calabar-Ugep-Katsina-Ala Road, dualisation of the East-West Road (Eleme Junction to Ahoada), and upgrades to roads in Cross River and Rivers States.

• In the South-East, projects included the Enugu-Port Harcourt Road, a new Akpoha Bridge in Ebonyi, and reconstruction of the Enugu Bridge at New Artisan Market.

• The South-West saw the rehabilitation of the Lagos-Shagamu-Ibadan Dual Carriageway, emergency repairs to the Eko Bridge, and construction of access roads to Deep-Sea Ports.

• In the North-Central, projects included the Shendam Bridge in Plateau and the Ilobu-Erinle Road in Kwara and Osun.

• The North-East received the Jimeta Bridge in Yola, Adamawa State.

• In the North-West, Tinubu commissioned the Yakasai Badume-Damargu-Marken Zalli Road in Kano, as well as the Kano-Kwanar Danja Hadeja Road in Kano and Jigawa States.

The President also flagged off multiple new projects, including the Ibadan-Ife-Ilesha-Akure-Benin Road, the Nembe-Brass Road, and the dualisation of Kano-Maiduguri Road, among others.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who attended the event, pledged continued legislative support. “We in the National Assembly will give Mr. President all the support he needs to reposition the economy and transform infrastructure,” Akpabio said.

Minister of Works David Umahi revealed that ₦18 billion had been paid in compensation to individuals and communities affected by the Lagos-Calabar highway construction. “The President has directed us to ensure all projects prioritize the well-being of Nigerians and meet sustainability standards,” he said.

The high-profile commissioning was attended by several state governors, business leaders including Aliko Dangote, Abdulsamad Rabiu, and Tony Elumelu, as well as Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.

In closing, President Tinubu urged citizens to take ownership of national infrastructure. “Protect and maintain these projects,” he said. “They belong to all of us, and they are built for the future of this great nation.”