Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Renamed After President Tinubu

The Federal Government has officially renamed the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Coastal Highway, citing the President’s long-standing vision and commitment to the landmark infrastructure project.

Minister of Works, David Umahi, announced the decision during a media briefing in Abuja on Thursday, where he also revealed that President Bola Tinubu had approved major expansions to key federal road projects, including a 400-kilometre extension of the Fourth Legacy Highway and the reconstruction of sections of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

Umahi said the decision to name the coastal highway after Tinubu was reached by the leadership of the Ministry of Works in recognition of the President’s role in conceiving the project decades ago.

“By the powers vested in me as Minister of Works, and after consultations with the Permanent Secretary, the Minister of State, directors and staff of the ministry, we resolved to name the road the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Coastal Highway in honour of his vision,” Umahi said.

According to the minister, Tinubu first conceived the idea of the coastal highway about 27 years ago while serving as Governor of Lagos State, adding that the President deserves recognition for turning the long-held vision into reality.

“It is one thing to dream of a project and another to have the opportunity and grace to bring that vision to life,” he added.

Umahi described the ongoing construction of the first phase of the 750-kilometre coastal highway, from Victoria Island to Lekki—as one of Nigeria’s most significant infrastructure achievements.

He noted that the 47.47-kilometre, six-lane carriageway has been designed with a 25-metre-wide central median that will accommodate a future railway line, making it a multi-modal transport corridor.

The minister also announced that President Tinubu had approved a 400-kilometre extension of the Fourth Legacy Highway, increasing the project’s total length from 700 kilometres to 1,100 kilometres.

Originally planned to connect Akwanga in Nasarawa State to Maiduguri in Borno State through Jos, Bauchi, Gombe and Biu, the expanded highway will now extend into Taraba State.

Umahi described the approval as unprecedented, saying it represents one of the most ambitious road infrastructure expansions undertaken by any administration.

In addition to the extension, the President approved the dualisation of another 400 kilometres of the East-West Road, the reconstruction of sections of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway using reinforced concrete pavement, the completion of the long-abandoned Ibi Bridge in Taraba State, and the construction of the 5.76-kilometre Lao Bridge.

According to the minister, the projects are part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to strengthen transportation networks, improve connectivity between regions, stimulate economic growth and modernise critical infrastructure across Nigeria.