Lagos: The Federal Government on Friday temporarily opened the 47.47‑kilometre Section One, Phase One of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, describing the landmark project as a game changer for national connectivity and economic growth.
The Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, inaugurated the section on behalf of President Bola Tinubu in Lagos.
The 750km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway starts at Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, in Lagos State, and ends in Cross River State.
It will pass through several states, including Ogun, Ondo, Delta, and Bayelsa.
Umahi said at the inauguration that the opening was the realisation of a 27-year dream.
He noted that President Bola Tinubu opened a portion of the section on May 26, describing it as a major step forward in the implementation of a nationally strategic project.
The minister said that the highway had a reinforced concrete pavement and closed-circuit television cameras, among other features.
He noted that the highway would connect the western and southeastern regions of Nigeria, thereby improving cross-country connectivity and trade relations.
He reiterated that it would create millions of jobs, cut travel time, and drive economic growth.
He said the Tinubu administration had embarked on legacy projects across different parts of the country to advance Nigeria.
Earlier, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu praised Tinubu for his efforts on infrastructure development.
The governor was represented by the state Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi.
He emphasised that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway would reduce travel time on the corridor and improve the economic prosperity of the citizens.
“It is also intended to connect rural areas to urban markets and key economic zones such as the Lekki Free Trade Zone.
“With improved connectivity and reduced travel time, businesses will be able to operate more efficiently, and people will have more time to focus on their work.
“This will lead to increased productivity and economic growth,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He described the highway project as one of the most ambitious and audacious infrastructure projects since Nigeria’s independence.
He thanked the minister for delivering the section and, as promised, temporarily opening it for use to reduce the pain associated with road traffic gridlock.
The Oniru (Traditional Ruler) of Iruland, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for the opening.
He said the project represented a significant milestone in national development and was a testament to Tinubu’s good leadership.
The royal father said the highway would enhance mobility and positively impact tourism, agriculture, and other sectors.
He noted that the temporary opening would ease movement and reduce congestion for millions of road users during the festive season.
“This is a welcome relief for commuters who have had to deal with pressure on other major roads.
“With this opening, the promise of a more convenient festive season is assured,” he said.
He noted that Mr Dany Abboud, the Managing Director of Hitech Construction Company, the contractor handling the project, said that the entire 106km stretch of Sections One and Two of the coastal highway would be completed by December 2026.
The traditional ruler, whose Iru Kingdom serves as the take-off point for the highway project, pledged continued cooperation with the Federal Government to ensure its successful completion.
He commended Umahi, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, and the project team for dedication, assuring them of the support of traditional institutions on the corridor.
