Tinubu to Open First Phase of Lagos-Calabar Highway and Launch Key Road Projects.

President Bola Tinubu is set to officially open Section 1 of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway this Saturday, May 31, as part of his working visit to Lagos. This highway is one of the biggest infrastructure projects under his administration and is expected to boost economic growth, create jobs, and improve transportation along Nigeria’s southern corridor.

The inauguration will not only cover the first section of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway but will also include other important road projects. These include the Lekki Deep Sea Port Tax Credit Concrete Road, the flag-off of Section II of the Lagos-Calabar Highway, and the 7th Axial Road. According to the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu will also launch several road projects virtually across northern Nigeria, such as the Kano-Kanwar-Danja-Hadejiya Section II Road, Yakasai-Zalli Road, Kano Northern By-pass, Zaria-Hunkuyi-Dabai Section I, Dabai-Kafur-Malumfashi, and Malumfashi-Dayi-Yashe-Gidan Mutum Daya Section III.

Speaking about the significance of the Lagos-Calabar project, Minister of Works Dave Umahi explained that over 80 percent of Section 1—stretching from Victoria Island in Lagos to the Lekki Deep Sea Port and ending at Eleko Junction—has already been completed. About 30 kilometers of this section will be commissioned now, with work continuing on the remaining kilometers. Umahi described the highway as “more than a road—it is an economic corridor and a catalyst for regional growth.” He added, “God gave [President Tinubu] the vision for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway seven years ago. Today, he is actualising that vision. These projects testify to his unwavering commitment to national development and a better future for all Nigerians”.

The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is designed to connect Lagos to Cross River, passing through several states, including Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom, before ending in Cross River State. The project is expected to make travel easier, promote trade, and open up new opportunities for communities along the route.

During his stay in Lagos, President Tinubu will also take part in events marking the 50th anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which he currently chairs. The ECOWAS golden jubilee, which began in Accra in April 2025, will continue in Lagos with special events, including a reenactment of the 1975 declaration at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs on Victoria Island. At Eko Hotels and Suites, Tinubu will deliver a keynote speech highlighting ECOWAS’s achievements and future plans. He will be joined by Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retd.), the only surviving Head of State who signed the original 1975 declaration, as well as the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Touray, and other top diplomats and experts.

After these activities, President Tinubu will observe Eid-el-Kabir prayers at the State House, Dodan Barracks, before returning to Abuja.

The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project has faced some criticism, especially regarding its timing and the demolition of some buildings along the route. However, the government insists the project is in the best interest of Nigerians, aiming to modernize infrastructure and support national development.

As the President prepares to inaugurate these projects, many Nigerians are hopeful that the new roads will bring real benefits. The government says these efforts show its commitment to building a stronger, more connected country.

“It is more than a road—it is an economic corridor and a catalyst for regional growth,” said Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, praising the vision and determination behind the project.

With the launch of these new roads and the celebration of ECOWAS’s 50th anniversary, President Tinubu’s visit to Lagos is set to be a major milestone for both the city and the country.

Stay woke. Stay tuned. Stay with AKEWE NEWS.