Minister of Works, David Umahi, says President Bola Tinubu has approved a 100-kilometre stretch of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway to pass through Edo State. This is a significant addition, as the state was not originally included in the ambitious highway’s alignment.
Umahi, who delivered the news on behalf of President Tinubu during an Independence Day dinner at the Edo State Government House Villa, described the addition as a “special gift to the people of Edo.”
“Mr. President has directed that 100 kilometres by two lanes of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway must now pass through Edo,” Umahi stated to thunderous applause. He explained that the President was “impressed by ))Governor Okpebholo’s) commitment to infrastructure,” insisting the state must benefit as a “reward for loyalty, leadership, and performance.”
The multi-billion dollar project, one of the Tinubu administration’s most ambitious, is being handled by Hi-Tech Construction Nigeria Limited. Other benefiting states include Lagos (100km), Ogun and Ondo (82km), Akwa Ibom (65km), and Cross River (27km).
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, expressed immense gratitude for the surprise, calling it a turning point in the state’s infrastructure journey. “The president treats me like a son. Whenever we request support, he responds with express approval. This 100km coastal highway is proof of his love for our state,” the Governor said.
The major announcement came on the heels of a joint inspection by Governor Okpebholo and Minister Umahi of the dilapidated Benin–Warri dual carriageway bypass, where they lamented the tragic and unacceptable condition of federal roads in the state.
Umahi described the national road situation as a reflection of years of neglect, noting, “You can’t travel 100 kilometres on federal roads without encountering serious difficulties.” Both leaders commended President Tinubu’s resolve to tackle the extensive backlog of failed projects with immediate and lasting solutions.
The Minister praised Governor Okpebholo for his prompt intervention in critical sections of the Benin–Warri highway after the federal government terminated the contract awarded to Levante Construction Company under the NNPC Tax Credit Scheme due to poor performance.
Umahi reiterated that all federal road projects are now being designed with reinforced concrete technology, which is projected to last between 50 and 100 years.
Despite funding challenges following the suspension of NNPC tax credit funding, Umahi assured residents that Tinubu has ordered the continuation of all such projects nationwide.
Governor Okpebholo assured that the ongoing work on the highway would provide a lasting solution, stressing that quality road infrastructure is critical for the people’s welfare and the ruling party’s credibility.
Adibe Emenyonu
Follow us on:
