FG unveils first stretch of Lagos–Calabar Highway amid huge excitement

By Lydia Chigozie-Ngwakwe

The Federal Government on Friday temporarily opened the 47.47-kilometre Section One, Phase One of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, describing the corridor as a transformative national asset that will redefine mobility and commerce across Nigeria.

Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, inaugurated the section on behalf of President Bola Tinubu in Lagos.

The 750-kilometre highway, which begins at Ahmadu Bello Way on Victoria Island, will run through Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa and other states before terminating in Cross River.

Umahi said the partial opening marked the fulfilment of a 27-year-old national aspiration. He recalled that President Tinubu had previously opened part of the section on May 26, describing Friday’s inauguration as another crucial milestone in advancing what he called one of the country’s most strategic projects.

The minister explained that the highway was built with a reinforced concrete pavement and fitted with CCTV and other safety technologies.

Beyond its engineering features, he said, the corridor would serve as a major economic spine, linking western and southeastern regions, improving national connectivity, accelerating trade and generating millions of jobs.

Umahi added that the Tinubu administration was deliberately pursuing legacy infrastructure across Nigeria to stimulate long-term growth.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, praised President Tinubu’s commitment to modern infrastructure.

He said the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway would significantly reduce travel time, enhance productivity and expand economic opportunities, especially by connecting rural communities to urban centres and key economic hubs such as the Lekki Free Trade Zone.

Describing it as one of the boldest infrastructure undertakings since independence, Sanwo-Olu thanked the Federal Government and the Ministry of Works for ensuring the temporary opening as promised, noting that it would relieve the traffic pressure commuters face daily.

The Oniru of Iruland, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, also commended the milestone, saying it underscored President Tinubu’s leadership and vision.

He noted that the corridor would boost tourism, agriculture and other sectors while easing movement during the festive season.

“This is a welcome relief for commuters who have had to deal with pressure on other major roads. With this opening, the promise of a more convenient festive season is assured,” he said.

The monarch added that Hitech Construction’s Managing Director, Mr. Dany Abboud, had reaffirmed that the full 106-kilometre stretch covering Sections One and Two would be completed by December 2026.

He pledged continued cooperation from the Iru Kingdom, which hosts the project’s starting point.

Oba Lawal commended the Works Minister, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos and the project team for their dedication, assuring them of the unwavering support of traditional institutions along the corridor.