The Federal Government has officially renamed the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The announcement was made on Thursday by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, during a briefing on the ongoing infrastructure project.
Umahi said the decision was reached by the leadership and management of the Ministry of Works in recognition of Tinubu’s role in conceiving the ambitious coastal road project many years ago.
According to the minister, the President first envisioned the highway about 27 years ago, long before assuming office as Nigeria’s leader.
He stated, “By the power conferred on me as the Honourable Minister of Works, and in consultation with the Permanent Secretary, the Minister of State, the directors and the entire staff of the ministry, we have decided to name the entire Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
Describing the project as a long-standing dream of the President, Umahi added, “This is a dream that Mr President had about 27 years ago.”
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is one of the flagship infrastructure projects of the Tinubu administration. The road stretches for about 750 kilometres and is expected to connect several coastal states across the southern part of the country.
Government officials have repeatedly described the project as a major economic corridor that will improve transportation, boost trade, create jobs and open up new opportunities for businesses and tourism along the coastline.
The multi-trillion-naira project is estimated to cost about N15 trillion when fully completed. Construction work is ongoing across different sections, while one of the early segments of the highway is nearing completion.
Since work began in March 2024, the project has generated widespread public attention. Supporters have hailed it as a transformative infrastructure development, while critics have raised concerns over its cost, procurement process and the demolition of structures along parts of the route.
Despite the debates surrounding the project, the Federal Government has maintained that the coastal highway remains a strategic investment aimed at improving connectivity and driving long-term economic growth across the country.
The renaming of the highway complements to one of the administration’s most prominent projects and further cements its association with President Tinubu’s legacy agenda.