Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway: Transformative, Reflects Renewed Hope Vision — Gov. Otu

Speaking on the sidelines of the commissioning ceremony in Lagos, Saturday, Governor Otu joined President Tinubu, GCFR, alongside fellow governors from Borno, Bayelsa, Lagos, Edo, Ogun, and Imo States, as well as other dignitaries, for the formal launch of Phase one, Section one of the highly anticipated coastal highway. The inaugurated 30-kilometer, six-lane expressway segment is expected to significantly revolutionize transportation, stimulate regional trade, and drive economic development across Nigeria’s southern corridor.

The event, presided over by President Tinubu, also featured the virtual commissioning of several completed federal road projects and the flag-off of new ones across the southern region, marking a major milestone in the administration’s infrastructure renewal drive.

Governor Otu, reflecting on the significance of the moment, said: “This project solidifies President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment and bold vision for a greater Nigeria. The completion of this first 30-kilometer stretch is already unlocking a corridor of immense economic opportunities.”

The Governor confirmed that construction activities are actively underway in the Calabar axis of the highway, with contractors mobilized to site. “Work has commenced in our section of the project, and we are confident that the benefits will be far-reaching. Upon completion, the highway will significantly reshape the economic trajectory of all states along the coastline, particularly Cross River,” he noted.

He emphasized the timeliness of the project, aligning it with his administration’s people-centered development philosophy. “This highway couldn’t have come at a better time. In Cross River, we are intentional about growth. This project, among others, brings us closer to unlocking the full potential of our people and our economy,” he stated.

Governor Otu also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the successful delivery of the project, pledging full cooperation with the federal government and all relevant stakeholders. “We stand ready to support every step of this transformative journey. Cross River is fully on board,” he assured.

The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, a flagship initiative of the Tinubu administration, is designed to span approximately 700 kilometers, linking Lagos to Calabar and traversing multiple coastal states. Since its groundbreaking in March 2024, the project has recorded impressive progress within just one year and two months.

According to reports from the Federal Ministry of Works, Section one of the highway, covering the initial 30 kilometers of the 47-kilometer stretch from Ahmadu Bello Way in Lagos to the Lekki Deep Seaport, has been completed and was officially commissioned at the ceremony. The remaining 17 kilometers of this section are currently undergoing sandfilling and foundational work. Section two, which spans 57 kilometers from the Lekki Deep Seaport to Ogun State, is progressing steadily. Meanwhile, Section three, covering 65 kilometers across Cross River and Akwa Ibom States, commenced construction in April 2025.

In total, approximately 169 kilometers of the 700-kilometer superhighway are already under active construction—a feat achieved in record time, underscoring the federal government’s dedication to transformative infrastructure.

Once completed, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is expected to be a game-changer for Nigeria, enhancing interconnectivity between states, accelerating tourism and commerce, and catalyzing regional integration and prosperity, especially for coastal states like Cross River.