President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s infrastructure landscape, emphasizing that key national road and rail projects are advancing steadily under his leadership. In a national broadcast marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, the President highlighted the significant strides being made in projects such as the Kaduna-Kano corridor and the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. These initiatives, he noted, are pivotal to the Renewed Hope Agenda, which places transportation infrastructure at the heart of Nigeria’s economic revitalization and national integration efforts.
During his address, President Tinubu underscored the critical role that robust transport networks play in fostering economic growth, improving connectivity, and enhancing the quality of life for Nigerians. “The administration is expanding transport infrastructure across the country, covering rail, roads, airports, and seaports,” he stated. He highlighted impressive growth in the transport sector, noting that rail and water transport have seen increases of over 40% and 27%, respectively. These gains, according to the President, reflect his government’s strategic focus on modernizing Nigeria’s transportation systems to meet the demands of a growing economy.
Among the flagship projects mentioned, the Kaduna-Kano rail line and the 284-kilometer Kano-Katsina-Maradi Standard Gauge rail project are nearing completion. These rail initiatives are designed to improve connectivity in Nigeria’s northern region, facilitating the efficient movement of goods and people while boosting regional commerce. The Kaduna-Kano corridor, in particular, is expected to alleviate long-standing transportation bottlenecks that have hindered trade and economic activities in the North. By enhancing access to markets and reducing travel times, these rail lines are poised to stimulate economic activity, create jobs, and foster greater regional integration.
Another cornerstone of Tinubu’s infrastructure agenda is the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, a transformative project that was flagged off earlier in 2025. Spanning nine coastal states, this ambitious highway is set to redefine Nigeria’s transportation and economic landscape. By connecting key coastal regions, the highway will facilitate trade, promote tourism, and open up new economic corridors that could attract both domestic and foreign investment. The project is expected to enhance Nigeria’s position as a regional economic hub, providing a vital link between the southern and eastern parts of the country.
In addition to the coastal highway, the President highlighted progress on the Sokoto-Badagry Highway, another critical infrastructure project aimed at improving connectivity across Nigeria’s diverse regions. He also noted that the Federal Executive Council recently approved $3 billion to complete the Eastern Rail Project, a move that underscores the administration’s commitment to ensuring that strategic infrastructure projects are adequately funded and executed. These investments, Tinubu emphasized, are not only about immediate economic benefits but also about laying a sustainable foundation for future generations.
President Tinubu acknowledged the economic challenges facing the nation, including inflationary pressures and other macroeconomic difficulties. However, he reassured Nigerians that his administration remains steadfast in its efforts to address these challenges through strategic investments in infrastructure. By prioritizing projects that enhance connectivity and accessibility, the government aims to create an environment conducive to economic growth and development. Improved transportation networks, he argued, will reduce the cost of doing business, enhance national security by improving access to remote areas, and create opportunities for job creation and entrepreneurship.
The President also emphasized the long-term benefits of these infrastructure projects, noting that they are designed to outlive his tenure. “We are investing in strategic transport networks that will serve Nigeria for generations,” he said. By focusing on durability and sustainability, the administration hopes to create a legacy of transformative infrastructure that will continue to drive economic progress long after the current government’s term ends. These projects, Tinubu added, are not just about building roads and rail lines but about fostering unity, boosting trade, and positioning Nigeria as a competitive player in the global economy.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, for instance, is expected to have a multiplier effect on the economies of the nine states it traverses. By improving access to ports, markets, and tourist destinations, the highway will create new opportunities for businesses and communities along its route. Similarly, the rail projects in the North will enhance the region’s agricultural and industrial potential, enabling farmers and manufacturers to transport their goods more efficiently to markets across Nigeria and beyond.
President Tinubu’s focus on infrastructure development also aligns with his broader vision of enhancing national security. Improved road and rail networks will make it easier for security forces to access remote areas, thereby strengthening the government’s ability to address security challenges in various parts of the country. Moreover, better infrastructure will facilitate the movement of goods and services, reducing regional disparities and promoting inclusive economic growth.
As Nigeria marks 65 years of independence, President Tinubu’s address served as both a reflection on the nation’s progress and a call to action for continued resilience and unity. He urged Nigerians to remain optimistic about the country’s future, emphasizing that the infrastructure projects currently underway are tangible steps toward a more prosperous and connected nation. While acknowledging the hardships faced by many citizens, he reiterated his administration’s commitment to delivering measurable results through strategic investments in critical sectors like transportation.
In conclusion, the ongoing road and rail projects under President Tinubu’s administration represent a bold step toward transforming Nigeria’s infrastructure and driving sustainable economic growth. By prioritizing connectivity, job creation, and regional integration, these initiatives are laying the groundwork for a brighter future. As the Kaduna-Kano corridor, Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, and other projects near completion, Nigerians can look forward to a more accessible and economically vibrant nation, where opportunities for growth and development are within reach for all.
