President Bola Tinubu has pushed back against criticisms of the 750-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, insisting that the project is being handled with transparency and careful planning.
Speaking in Lagos on Thursday, June 5, during the inspection and launch of new infrastructure segments, Tinubu said the highway, along with other projects under his administration’s Renewed Hope Infrastructure Agenda, is vital to Nigeria’s long-term development.
“They are uninformed about the project’s procurement structure and national significance,” Tinubu said, referring to critics of the coastal highway.
He stressed that contrary to public claims, no single contractor has been awarded the full length of the project. “The contracts are being procured in parts to ensure accountability and efficiency,” he said.
Tinubu revealed that only specific sections of the highway have been approved so far, including a 47.7-kilometre stretch in which 30 kilometres have already been completed.
“I urge you, David (Umahi), to ignore those critics; they lack understanding. If they find fault with the road or deem it too costly, let them pay a toll to use it,” he said.
The President also announced ongoing work on the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, a decades-old project first envisioned during the Shehu Shagari era.
It spans seven states, Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun, and Lagos, and is expected to boost agriculture, trade, and regional integration.
According to Tinubu, over 10 kilometres of a three-lane carriageway have been completed in Kebbi State, with work also progressing on a 120-kilometre stretch in Sokoto. He said more portions of the road are being prepared for procurement.
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In the southern region, he confirmed that work is underway in Cross River and Akwa Ibom on Section II of the coastal highway, where over 10 kilometres of the 55-kilometre portion have been completed.
The President also gave an update on the Trans-Sahara Trade Route, which will connect Calabar to Abuja through Ebonyi, Benue, Kogi, and Nasarawa States.
He described it as another key route that will create new commercial opportunities across the country.
“It is necessary to note that the Federal Executive Council approved our legacy projects to be procured, awarded and constructed in sections,” he said.
Tinubu also appealed to state governors to work more closely with the Federal Government when issuing building approvals.
“I have directed the Minister of Works, David Umahi and the Surveyor-General of the Federation to work more closely with the governors,” he said.
“Please, my dear governors, let’s work together. Don’t give planning approvals without collaboration with the Surveyor-General and the Ministry of Works. I am appealing to you to realise the same development goal.”
He warned against illegal dredging activities, saying, “Let me emphasise the ban by the Federal Government of Nigeria on any dredging within a 10km radius of all our Bridges nationwide. I appeal to all governors, relevant agencies, and security agencies to implement this ban immediately.”
According to Tinubu, these projects are more than just roads, they are the foundation of economic transformation and regional progress.