The Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, has announced that a key section of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway will be tolled by December 2025, as part of a strategy to ensure returns on the multi-billion-naira infrastructure investment.

Speaking in a feature interview for an upcoming State House documentary marking President Bola Tinubu’s second year in office, Umahi disclosed that over 80 percent of Section 1 of the highway—stretching 47.47 kilometres from Ahmadu Bello Way to the Lekki Deep Sea Port and ending at Eleko Junction—has already been completed. Work is also advancing on Section 2, which runs from Eleko Junction to the Lagos-Ogun border.

“By December, we will toll Section 1 of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. We project a 10-year return on investment. The road has solar-powered lighting and CCTV infrastructure and offers carbon credit advantages,” the Minister said.

“It is more than a road—it is an economic corridor and a catalyst for regional growth. We have completed 30 kilometres of Section 1 and are on track to complete an additional 10 in Section 2. These are six-lane, concrete-paved highways.”

He added: “Just days ago, we flagged off Sections 3 and 3B—65 kilometres in total—covering 38 kilometres in Cross River State and 27 kilometres in Akwa Ibom. The host communities’ excitement speaks to these projects’ transformative impact.”

On other federal infrastructure, Umahi mentioned the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, the Trans-Saharan Trade Route, and the planned Ogun-Ondo-Niger Corridor as key transformative projects under President Tinubu’s administration.

According to him: “The Trans-Saharan Trade Route dates back to colonial-era planning. President Tinubu is now bringing these long-abandoned visions to life.”

Commending the President’s foresight, he added: “God gave him the vision for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway seven years ago. Today, he is actualising that vision. These projects testify to his unwavering commitment to national development and a better future for all Nigerians.”

Turning to politics in the South East, Umahi said all five governors from the region—regardless of political affiliation—are supporting President Tinubu.

“All the governors in the South East, regardless of party affiliation, are working with the President,” he said.

He added that the region is now enjoying more federal attention and infrastructure under Tinubu’s leadership than ever before.

“The Igbo man is enterprising and blessed with God-given wisdom. What Ndi Igbo seek is fairness, a Nigeria that treats every zone equally. That is what President Tinubu is doing.

“Before, when I was governor and deputy governor, one of our major concerns in Ebonyi State was the lack of federal presence. But today, nobody remembers that issue anymore. Under President Tinubu, at least four federal projects are ongoing in Ebonyi State.”

He highlighted key ongoing projects in the region including the Port Harcourt to Enugu, Enugu to Abakaliki, Enugu to Onitsha, and Onitsha to Owerri roads, as well as the Second Niger Bridge.

“Today, the South East has a Minister of Works for the first time, and we’re seeing real projects—Port Harcourt to Enugu, Enugu to Abakaliki, Enugu to Onitsha, Onitsha to Owerri, and the Second Niger Bridge. The President has already paid 30 per cent of the cost of that bridge.”

Umahi also revealed plans for South East leaders to endorse President Tinubu for re-election in 2027.

“We’re even planning a summit to bring together all South-East leaders to endorse the President for the 2027 elections formally. We want our projects to be completed, the country’s unity to be strengthened and proper integration of Ndi Igbo.”

He urged political figures in the region who are yet to align with the administration to reconsider their stance.

“Leadership is not about self—it’s about the people. If someone else is already doing what you would have done for your people, support him. I call on my brother, His Excellency Peter Obi, to join us and work with Mr. President.

“He must be part of this summit where we will collectively endorse President Tinubu for the 2027 election. I say it boldly: the South East is happy with the President,” Umahi said.

Chioma Kalu

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