By: Kamal Yalwa
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to indigenous content and infrastructure development as he commissioned the first phase of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, alongside several other major road projects across the country.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony in Lagos on Saturday, Tinubu directed the Minister of Works, David Umahi, and other key officials overseeing national projects to enforce strict compliance with regulations on local content, skills transfer, and Nigerian participation.
The President also issued a stern warning to estate developers and contractors building illegally on federal land without approvals. He declared that such property owners would no longer receive compensation for violating setback laws and urban development regulations.
“Let me warn all developers that the Federal Government will enforce building setbacks, and developers without approvals will not be compensated. We have gazetted and published these setbacks, and enforcement will follow in full,” Tinubu said.
He commended Engineer Ronald Chagoury for his role in preventing the Atlantic Ocean’s encroachment on Victoria Island and Ikoyi, praising the bold intervention that helped avert a disaster.
“I said we would do it, and we did. We averted a disaster greater than a tsunami in Victoria Island and Ikoyi,” Tinubu stated.
The President also urged Nigerians to remain patient with his administration’s economic reforms, noting early signs of recovery in the foreign exchange market and the gradual drop in food prices.
“I want to appeal to all Nigerians that hope is here. Our economy is recovering,” he assured.
He expressed gratitude to the Minister of Works, David Umahi, the Federal Ministry of Works staff, contractors, and Lagos residents for their support.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is a 700km project spanning the coastal areas of Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Edo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River States. The commissioned Phase I, Section I stretches from Ahmadu Bello Way to Eleko Village Area in the Lekki Peninsula.
Other projects commissioned by the President include:
- Rehabilitation of Calabar-Ugep-Katsina-Ala Road Section II (Ugep-Katsina-Ala) in Benue/Cross River States
- Dualisation of East-West Road Section II (Sub-Section I) Eleme Junction–Ahoada in Rivers State
- Rehabilitation of Alesi-Ugep (Iyamoyung-Ugep) Section in Cross River State
- Upgrading of 15km stretch of East-West Road from Eleme Junction to Onne Port Junction in Rivers State
- Rehabilitation of Enugu-Port Harcourt Road Section III, Enugu-Lokpanta, in the South-East
- Construction of a new bridge at Akpoha in Ebonyi State
- Reconstruction of the collapsed Enugu Bridge at the New Artisan Market along the Enugu-Port Harcourt Road
President Tinubu emphasised that these projects reflect his administration’s resolve to improve national infrastructure, boost economic activities, and ease transportation for Nigerians.
“These projects demonstrate our commitment to strengthening connectivity, boosting trade, and building an economy that works for all Nigerians,” Tinubu said.
