Nigerians React as Umahi Says Highway Honours Tinubu’s Long-Standing Vision for Landmark Infrastructure Project
The Federal Government has renamed the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a decision that has generated mixed reactions among Nigerians as construction on the multi-billion-naira project continues.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, announced the development during a media briefing in Abuja, where he also disclosed that President Tinubu approved a 400-kilometre extension of the Fourth Legacy Highway and the reconstruction of sections of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
According to Umahi, the Ministry of Works resolved to name the highway after the President following consultations with the ministry’s leadership, describing the project as the fulfilment of a vision Tinubu conceived about 27 years ago while serving as Governor of Lagos State.
The Minister said the first section of the 750-kilometre highway, stretching from Victoria Island to Lekki, represents a major milestone in Nigeria’s infrastructure development.
Umahi also announced that the President approved the extension of the Fourth Legacy Highway by an additional 400 kilometres, increasing its total length from 700 kilometres to 1,100 kilometres. The expanded highway will now extend into Taraba State after linking Akwanga in Nasarawa State to Maiduguri in Borno State through Jos, Bauchi, Gombe and Biu.
He further disclosed that President Tinubu approved the dualisation of another 400 kilometres of the East-West Road, the reconstruction of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway using reinforced concrete pavement, the completion of the abandoned Ibi Bridge in Taraba State and the construction of the 5.76-kilometre Lao Bridge.
Umahi said the projects form part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to improve road connectivity, stimulate economic growth and modernise critical transport infrastructure across the country.
The decision to rename the coastal highway has since sparked widespread public debate, with supporters describing it as a fitting recognition of Tinubu’s role in initiating the project, while critics argue that such an honour should await the successful completion of the landmark highway.
