The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, a project originally conceptualized 47 years ago, did not initially include Edo State in its alignment. However, President Tinubu personally intervened to ensure its inclusion, directing that the highway’s route encompass Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River states. According to Umahi, the president’s directive was clear: “This project must pass through Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River. That is why we are here.” As part of this directive, Edo State has been allocated 100 kilometers of the dual-lane highway, a development expected to boost connectivity, economic activity, and regional integration within the state and beyond.
During his address, Umahi expressed gratitude to the government and people of Edo for their unwavering support for the Tinubu administration. He highlighted the collaborative spirit between the federal and state governments, commending Governor Monday Okpebholo for his proactive approach to infrastructure challenges. Specifically, Umahi praised the governor’s commitment to addressing critical sections of the Benin-Sapele-Warri highway, a notorious route described by the minister as a “deathtrap” for motorists due to its deplorable condition. The minister’s acknowledgment underscores the importance of joint efforts in tackling Nigeria’s infrastructure deficits, particularly in Edo, where federal and state initiatives are converging to improve road networks.
Umahi also took the opportunity to commend the contractor, CBC, for the quality of work being executed on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project. To ensure transparency and accountability, he instructed the Federal Controller of Works in Edo to provide daily progress reports on the construction activities at the site. This directive reflects the administration’s emphasis on diligent oversight and timely delivery of infrastructure projects, ensuring that the approved 100-kilometer stretch in Edo meets the required standards and timelines.
In his remarks, Governor Monday Okpebholo expressed profound gratitude to President Tinubu for including Edo in the coastal highway project and for the ongoing rehabilitation of federal roads within the state. He described the inclusion of Edo in the highway’s alignment as a testament to the president’s affection for the people of Edo and a demonstration of his commitment to equitable development across Nigeria. Okpebholo urged Edo residents to reciprocate this gesture by supporting Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, emphasizing that sustained political support would enable the continuation of transformative projects like the coastal highway.
The governor also reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to revolutionizing infrastructure in Edo State. Reflecting on a recent visit to the Benin-Sapele-Warri road, Okpebholo recounted witnessing firsthand the hardships faced by commuters due to the road’s poor condition. He stressed the need for a collaborative approach between federal and state governments to address such challenges, stating, “If I do my part and you do your part, no one will criticize our president. For us to earn more votes, we need to do something about this place, whether it’s the Federal Government or Edo Government.” This call to action highlights the governor’s resolve to complement federal efforts with state-level interventions, ensuring that Edo’s infrastructure aligns with the broader vision of national development.
The inclusion of Edo in the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project is a significant milestone, not only for the state but also for Nigeria’s broader infrastructure ambitions. The highway, envisioned as a vital artery connecting Nigeria’s coastal states, is expected to facilitate trade, tourism, and socio-economic growth by improving access to ports, markets, and tourist destinations. For Edo State, the 100-kilometer stretch represents an opportunity to enhance connectivity between its urban and rural areas, stimulate local economies, and improve the quality of life for residents.
The project also aligns with President Tinubu’s broader agenda of prioritizing infrastructure as a catalyst for economic development. By extending the highway through Edo, the administration is addressing regional disparities and ensuring that states previously excluded from the original plan benefit from its economic potential. The collaboration between the federal government, led by Tinubu and Umahi, and the Edo State government under Okpebholo exemplifies a unified approach to tackling Nigeria’s infrastructure challenges.
As work progresses on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the focus on Edo State signals a new chapter in its development trajectory. The combined efforts of the federal and state governments, coupled with rigorous oversight and community support, are poised to transform Edo’s road networks, making them safer, more accessible, and conducive to economic growth. With the contractor already receiving commendations for quality work and the governor pledging to address complementary infrastructure challenges, Edo State is on track to become a key beneficiary of this transformative project, reinforcing its role in Nigeria’s coastal economy.
