WafricNews – June 1st, 2025

Lagos, Nigeria - President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appealed to Nigerians for continued patience as his administration works to address economic challenges and deliver on its promises. The President made this appeal during the official commissioning of Phase 1, Section 1 of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway on Saturday.

The completed stretch, measuring 30km and spanning six lanes, is part of a broader 750km infrastructure project aimed at transforming connectivity along Nigeria’s southern coast.

“Hope is not lost. It is real and achievable,” Tinubu said during his address. “I understand the difficulties our people are still facing, and I urge every Nigerian to remain patient. There’s light at the end of the tunnel.”

According to Tinubu, inflation is on a downward trajectory, foreign exchange manipulation has been curtailed, and the fuel subsidy regime is being tackled more transparently. He emphasized that these reforms are being implemented to create a more stable and prosperous economic environment.

“We are working to reduce the cost of manufacturing and boost local production. Incentives are in place to encourage compliance with our industrial vision,” he added, while offering prayers for the nation and its military personnel.

In a stern message to property developers, President Tinubu warned that any construction on federal land without proper approval would not be eligible for compensation.

“The Federal Government has reinforced setbacks in the national interest,” he said. “Development without approval will not be compensated. We’ve published the setbacks and will enforce them rigorously.”

Providing updates on the project’s scope, Minister of Works, David Umahi, noted that the highway is being constructed as a six-lane carriageway across a 60-metre corridor. Addressing concerns about damage to nearby properties, he clarified that no harm was done to the Landmark property, a point of recent contention.

“It was your directive, Mr. President, to preserve existing infrastructure where possible,” Umahi said. “The only affected area was their encroachment on the federally protected shoreline—an area the Supreme Court has affirmed belongs to the Federal Government.”

Umahi revealed that Tinubu has directed state governors with major federal projects to provide at least 500 metres from the edge of the highway corridor for tolling and other infrastructure needs. Despite the law excluding compensation for informal structures, the President authorized payments as a goodwill measure.

“We have paid N18 billion in compensation for this first phase,” Umahi confirmed.

The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project is considered one of the most ambitious infrastructure undertakings in recent Nigerian history and is expected to significantly boost trade, tourism, and local economies upon completion.


By WafricNews Desk.