Motorists and residents have expressed excitement following the temporary reopening of the first section of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway by Bola Tinubu.
The 47.74-kilometre stretch, which runs from Ahmadu Bello Way on Victoria Island to Eleko Village Junction, has been opened for public use to ease traffic congestion, particularly during the Yuletide season.
The highway, regarded as a flagship legacy project of the current administration, features six lanes, modern street lighting, concrete pavement, and advanced emergency response systems capable of addressing incidents within five minutes.
Speaking through the Minister of Works, David Umahi, President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to expanding Nigeria’s critical public infrastructure to boost national connectivity, trade, and economic growth.
He disclosed that the full inauguration of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway is scheduled for May 2026.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said the highway would significantly reduce travel time between Lagos and Calabar from about 15 hours to roughly six or seven hours upon completion.
He commended the Federal Government for delivering the first segment and assured that construction across the six coastal states would meet the highest standards.
Also speaking, Oba Abdul-Wasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, the Oniru of Iru Land, described the coastal highway as a landmark project under the Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that its temporary opening would ease holiday travel.
He thanked the President for approving the measure.
Motorists welcomed the development, saying it would help reduce gridlock on the Lekki–Epe Expressway, cut transportation costs, and save valuable travel time for commuters.
Meanwhile, construction work on Section Two of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, stretching from Sagamu to Raya, is ongoing and nearing completion.
Reporting by Abiola Peters