Tinubu commissions first phase of Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, warns Estate Developers on setbacks

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to indigenous content and infrastructure development as he commissioned the first phase of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, alongside several major road projects across the country.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony in Lagos, President Tinubu directed the Minister of Works, David Umahi, and other cabinet members supervising national projects to enforce strict compliance with regulations on local content, skills transfer, and Nigerian participation.

The President also issued a stern warning to estate developers and contractors building illegally on federal land without approvals.

He maintained that such property owners would no longer receive compensation for violating setback laws and urban development regulations.

“Let me warn all developers that the Federal Government will enforce building setbacks, and developers without approvals will not be compensated. We have gazetted and published these setbacks, and enforcement will follow in full,” Tinubu declared.

The President singled out Engineer Ronald Chagoury for commendation over his role in curbing the advance of the Atlantic Ocean, which once threatened Victoria Island and Ikoyi, calling for more bold interventions to address Nigeria’s infrastructure challenges.

“I said we would do it, and we did. We averted a disaster greater than a tsunami in Victoria Island and Ikoyi,” he added.

President Tinubu appealed to Nigerians for continued patience with his administration’s economic reforms, noting that early signs of recovery were already visible in foreign exchange market stability and the gradual drop in food prices.

“I want to appeal to all Nigerians that hope is here. Our economy is recovering,” the President assured.

He extended appreciation to the Minister of Works, David Umahi, the Federal Ministry of Works staff, contractors, and Lagos residents for their support towards the successful execution of the project.

“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. This is Phase I, Section I: Ahmadu Bello Way to Eleko Village Area in the Lekki Peninsula, a section of the 700km iconic project spanning the coastal areas of Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Edo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States,” Tinubu stated.

The President particularly praised Hitech Construction Company Limited for delivering high-standard work, noting the firm’s decision to use Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement in place of the conventional flexible pavement, a move he said would guarantee durability.

Alongside the Coastal Highway, President Tinubu also commissioned several other strategic infrastructure projects, including:

Rehabilitation of Calabar-Ugep-Katsina-Ala Road Section II (Ugep-Katsina-Ala) in Benue/Cross River States.

Dualisation of East-West Road Section II (Sub-Section I) Eleme Junction–Ahoada in Rivers State.

Rehabilitation of Alesi-Ugep (Iyamoyung-Ugep) Section in Cross River State.

Upgrading of a 15km stretch of the East-West Road from Eleme Junction to Onne Port Junction in Rivers State.

Rehabilitation of Enugu-Port Harcourt Road Section III, Enugu-Lokpanta, in the South-East.

Construction of a new bridge at Akpoha in Ebonyi State.

Reconstruction of the collapsed Enugu Bridge at the New Artisan Market along the Enugu-Port Harcourt Road.

President Tinubu emphasised that the extensive projects being commissioned were part of his administration’s resolve to improve national road infrastructure, enhance economic activity, and ease transportation for millions of Nigerians.

“These projects demonstrate our commitment to strengthening connectivity, boosting trade, and building an economy that works for all Nigerians,” he said.