Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, has led members of the National Assembly Committee on Works and the Presidential Community Engagement Team on an inspection of Section 4 of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway in Ondo State.
The inspection formed part of ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to monitor progress on the landmark infrastructure project and ensure that its implementation continues to align with the objectives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The inspection team included members of the Presidential Community Engagement Team, led by Hon. Moremi Ojudu, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South West), alongside Dr. Abiodun Essiet (North Central), Hon. Abdullahi Tanko Yakasai (North West), Hon. Chioma Nweze (South East), and Hon. Dr. Gift Johnbull (South-South).
The engagement provided an opportunity for the stakeholders to assess ongoing construction activities, review areas requiring additional attention and reaffirm the Federal Government’s commitment to delivering the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway as a transformative national infrastructure project.
Speaking during the inspection, the Minister reiterated the importance of the highway to national connectivity, economic expansion and job creation, noting that the project would open up new corridors for commerce, agriculture, tourism and other economic activities across the coastal states.
The team also inspected sections of the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway affected by flooding, assessing the drainage challenges and identifying measures required to improve water management and protect the road infrastructure.
Following the inspection, the team proceeded to Lagos where discussions were held on the strategic locations for the provision of service lanes along the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway.
The service lanes are expected to improve traffic management, provide motorists with smoother access along the corridor and enhance connectivity for communities and businesses located around the highway.
The team also inspected existing drainage channels and identified additional locations where new drainage infrastructure would be provided to ensure seamless movement of stormwater and minimise the risk of flooding along the affected corridors.
The inspection underscored the Federal Government’s commitment to delivering durable infrastructure that responds to the needs of road users and host communities while ensuring that the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway delivers its full economic and social benefits.
The project remains a major component of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope infrastructure drive, with its completion expected to significantly improve connectivity across the southern states, stimulate investment, create employment opportunities and strengthen economic integration along Nigeria’s coastline.