President Bola Tinubu has highlighted the transformative impact of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, which will create direct employment for millions and provide benefits to over 30 million Nigerians nationwide.
Speaking at the inauguration of the 700km highway construction and the procurement of the 1000km Sokoto-Badagry superhighway in Lagos, Tinubu underlined the alignment of this project with the Renewed Hope Agenda, emphasizing its potential to boost connectivity and leverage Nigeria’s vast resources.
“This 700 Km superhighway, a 10-lane road project, is pivotal in enhancing connectivity, fostering economic growth, and uplifting livelihoods,” Tinubu stated, emphasizing its direct employment potential and its widespread benefits to coastal communities and beyond.
Highlighting its significance beyond mere infrastructure, Tinubu described the highway as a beacon of hope, unity, and prosperity. It envisioned it as a vital link connecting communities across nine states, stimulating trade, tourism, and future opportunities.
Integrated Development: Linking Key Economic Hubs
Tinubu further emphasized the strategic integration of the coastal infrastructure with key economic zones like the Lekki Free Trade Zones, Deep Seaport, and the Dangote Refinery. He stressed the imperative of maximizing the project’s potential to unlock myriad opportunities for local communities and states along the coastline.
Assuring continued commitment to industrialization, Tinubu pledged proactive measures to drive economic prosperity and job creation, acknowledging the nation’s strides despite challenges and emphasizing the importance of establishing a robust infrastructure legacy.
Commending the industrial contributions of key players such as Aliko Dangote, Hi-Tech Construction Company, and the Chagoury Group, Tinubu highlighted their resilience in navigating Nigeria’s complex business landscape.
Project Overview and Progress
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, which spans 700 kilometres and traverses nine states, was awarded to Hitech Construction Company Limited under an Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Financing (EPC+F) arrangement. This arrangement minimizes government risk while fostering private-sector involvement.
Construction commenced in March 2024, with the initial phase covering 47.47 kilometres from Lagos. The subsequent segment, extending approximately 55 kilometres from the Lekki Deep Seaport to the Ogun-Ondo state boundary, has received approval from the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE).
Additional segments, including stretches from Port Harcourt to Bayelsa State and Delta State to Ondo State, will be developed independently, further enhancing connectivity and economic growth along the coastal corridor.
