President Bola Tinubu has approved a 100-kilometer extension of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway through Edo State, correcting its earlier exclusion from the 750-kilometer project.
The announcement came during Edo’s Independence Day Gala in Benin City. Works Minister David Umahi said the move reflects Tinubu’s vision for inclusive national development. He explained that the extension will boost trade, investment, and connectivity across the South-South region.
Umahi recalled, “The Lagos-Calabar coastal road was first dreamt by President Tinubu 47 years back. He contacted Governors who were in office with him, but unfortunately, the project could not take off. But then, the route was made known, but unfortunately, the route did not pass through Edo State, very sad.”
He added, “When you hear 700 kilometres, and today you hear 750 kilometres, you ask yourself where is the difference coming from, the difference is coming from here because a miracle Governor appeared on the State. The President called me and said, This project must pass from Lagos to Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and to Cross River.”
Governor Monday Okpebholo thanked Tinubu for addressing what he called a “historic omission” and pledged Edo’s strong support for Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid. He also praised Umahi’s innovative approach to road construction and promised the state government’s cooperation in delivering quality infrastructure.
