From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu yesterday officially commissioned the Lekki Deep Sea Port Tax Credit Concrete Road in Lagos, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s infrastructure development. Speaking virtually at the event, Tinubu highlighted that roads are more than just pathways for goods, they are conduits for prosperity and economic growth.
“This road is not just for moving goods; it’s for moving prosperity. With these arteries open, our farmers, businesses, and manufacturers will find new opportunities to thrive. This is what Renewed Hope means, real, tangible progress that affects everyday lives,” he said.
He described transport infrastructure as the “arteries through which the lifeblood of economic development flows,” underscoring the role of road construction under his Renewed Hope Agenda in boosting productivity, logistics and economic integration.
The newly opened road, built under the Tax Credit Scheme, connects the Lekki Deep Sea Port, one of West Africa’s most advanced maritime terminals, to inland transport networks. This link is expected to ease congestion, reduce distribution costs and expand export capacity, especially for agricultural and manufactured products. The project exemplifies successful public-private partnership, with corporate investors financing infrastructure in exchange for tax rebates.
Beyond Lagos, President Tinubu announced a series of forthcoming infrastructure projects across Northern Nigeria, including the Kano–Kongolam Road (Section II: Kano–Kanwar–Danja–Hadejia), Yakasai–Zalli Road, and several rural access roads aimed at connecting agricultural areas to urban markets. These initiatives are designed to improve farm-to-market access, enhance food security and integrate remote communities into the national economy.
He also pledged accelerated work on other major national projects such as the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Expressway, Benin–Warri Road, and multiple federal bridges, describing the nationwide infrastructure push as “laying down a new architecture of growth.” He emphasised that these efforts are inclusive and nationwide: “Whether in the North, South, East or West, we are building roads that connect not just communities but destinies.” This infrastructure blitz is a core part of the Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to restore economic stability, boost investor confidence and reduce poverty by strengthening transport, energy and agriculture sectors.
The Lekki corridor, once plagued by traffic and poor access, is rapidly transforming into a logistics and industrial hub, supported by the deep-sea port, refinery, free trade zone and now modern road networks. This development will position the region among Africa’s busiest economic centres, generating thousands of jobs and fostering local content growth.
Additionally, Tinubu flagged off Section II of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the 7th Axial Road, key projects designed to unlock Nigeria’s coastal trade and tourism potential as part of the Federal Government’s infrastructure masterplan.