Tinubu Commissions First Phase of Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Warns Developers on Setback Violations
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Saturday, commissioned the first phase of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and several major road projects across the country, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to local content, infrastructure excellence, and legal compliance.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony in Lagos, the President issued a stern warning to real estate developers and contractors, stating that the Federal Government would no longer compensate those who violate building regulations.
“Let me warn all the developers that the Federal Government will enforce setbacks. If not for anything, but for the interest of the nation. Developers who fail to get approvals will not be compensated,” President Tinubu declared.
“We have gazetted and published the setback, and we will enforce it in any way possible.”
The first phase of the highway—stretching from Ahmadu Bello Way to Eleko Village in the Lekki Peninsula—is part of a broader 700-kilometre corridor expected to traverse the coastal regions of Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Edo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River States.
“It is with great pleasure, pride and a sense of fulfilment that I stand here today to commission the completed part of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway Corridor,” Tinubu said.
“I said we would do it, and we did. We averted a disaster greater than a tsunami in Victoria Island and Ikoyi.”
He praised Engineer Ronald Chagoury’s role in protecting Lagos’ coastline and called on others to continue “doing the impossible” to secure Nigeria’s infrastructure.
President Tinubu also appealed for public patience amid economic reforms.
“I want to appeal to all Nigerians that hope is here. Our economy is recovering,” he said, noting the improvement in foreign exchange stability and reduction in food prices.
Commending Hitech Construction Company for its use of Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP)—a more durable alternative to flexible pavement—Tinubu noted:
“It is most pleasing to note that the highway was constructed using CRCP, assuring durability. This shows that Nigerian firms can meet global standards.”
The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, revealed that ₦18 billion had been paid in compensation to those affected by the Lagos-Calabar project. He emphasized the President’s directive to prioritize sustainability and the welfare of Nigerians in all federal construction efforts.
Among the projects commissioned across the six geopolitical zones are:
South-South: East-West Road (Eleme Junction–Ahoada, Rivers), Calabar-Ugep-Katsina-Ala Road (Cross River/Benue), and Onne Port Access Road.
South-East: Enugu-Port Harcourt Road (Lokpanta Section), Akpoha Bridge (Ebonyi), Enugu Bridge (New Artisan Market).
South-West: Lagos-Shagamu-Ibadan Expressway, Ikorodu-Shagamu Road, Eko Bridge repairs, and Deep-Sea Port Access Road.
North-Central: Shendam Bridge (Plateau), Ilobu-Erinle Road (Kwara/Osun).
North-East: Jimeta Bridge (Adamawa).
North-West: Yakasai Badume-Damargu-Marken Zalli Roads (Kano), Kano-Kwanar Danja-Hadeja Road (Kano/Jigawa).
New projects flagged off include the Ibadan-Ife-Ilesha-Akure-Benin Road, Nembe-Brass Road, Kano Northern Bypass, and parts of the Enugu-Onitsha and Zaria-Hunkuyi-Kufur-Gidan Roads, among others.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio assured the President of the National Assembly’s support in repositioning the economy. The event was attended by several state governors, Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, NSA Nuhu Ribadu, prominent contractors, and industry leaders including Aliko Dangote, Abdulsamad Rabiu, and Tony Elumelu.