From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu on Saturday officially commissioned the first completed section of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Superhighway, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s infrastructure development agenda.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Superhighway, spanning approximately 700 kilometres across nine states, is poised to become Africa’s largest superhighway upon completion. It is expected to enhance regional connectivity significantly, boost trade and tourism, and stimulate economic diversification along Nigeria’s southern coast.
The commissioning ceremony, held at Kilometre 8, Jakande Estate area in Lagos State, also featured the inauguration of several completed road and bridge projects, alongside the flag-off of new infrastructure initiatives, celebrating the successful completion of two years in office.
Describing the coastal superhighway as a crucial artery for trade, tourism, and national integration, Tinubu underscored the importance of sustainable infrastructure under his Renewed Hope Agenda.
He assured that infrastructure development would be more than just brick and mortar, but a foundation for economic growth, job creation, and national unity.
In addition to the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Superhighway (Phase I, Section I, 30 km from Ahmadu Bello Way to Eleko Village), the President virtually commissioned key projects, including the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway (Shagamu–Ibadan section, 166.8 km), East-West Road (Eleme Junction to Ahoada, 94 km), Alesi–Ugep Road in Cross River State (67.1 km), Ikorodu–Shagamu Road (30.4 km), and the initial phase of the Enugu–Lokpanta Expressway rehabilitation (first 16 km). New bridges, such as the Artisan Market Bridge in Enugu (75 m dual-span) and the Akpoha Bridge in Ebonyi State (75 m single-span), were also inaugurated.
He also commissioned the Port Harcourt–Onne Junction (East-West Road, first 15 km), Lagos–Badagry Expressway (Agbara–Seme Border, 48.6 km), and additional sections of the Lagos–Badagry Expressway and Enugu–Port Harcourt routes.
President Tinubu also flagged off new projects, including the Ibadan–Ife–Ilesha–Akure–Benin Highway, Nembe–Brass Road, parts of the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway (107 km), and the Abakpa Flyover in Enugu State.