President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has emphasized the importance of the N15 trillion Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
This ambitious project, spanning 700 kilometers, is set to provide improved access to market centers and production for approximately 30 million businesspeople in Nigeria.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony in Lagos to commemorate his first year in office, he said,
“It will fast-track the community’s development, bring development closer to the people, and give 30 million people improved access to production and marketing centres.
“You can easily predict a journey vertically and go along the horizontal line, and you can define the free movement of people,” he said.
Despite the controversy surrounding the highway’s construction, including concerns from affected businesses, Tinubu remains committed to its realization.
Notable figures like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi have expressed differing opinions on the project.
Minister of Works David Umahi recently disclosed that 750 houses along the highway’s path have been marked for demolition.
However, the government has announced N2.75 billion in compensation for affected properties, emphasizing its compassionate approach.
The 10-lane coastal road aims to connect Lagos to Cross River, passing through Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom states before reaching Cross River.
Its potential extends beyond regional connectivity—it will link up with the Sokoto—Badagry Expressway (currently under procurement) and the African Trade Route, connecting the Southeast to Cameroon.
