Nigerian Government Sets Ambitious 8-Year Target for Coastal Highway Completion

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Nigerian Government Sets Ambitious 8-Year Target for Coastal Highway Completion

The Nigerian government has reaffirmed its commitment to the timely completion of the much-anticipated Coastal Highway, aiming to deliver the massive infrastructure project within an eight-year timeframe. The project is poised to redefine connectivity and trade along Nigeria’s coastal corridor.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a recent directive, urged the Minister of Works, David Umahi, to remain focused on the national vision and ignore distractions and critics who may oppose the project’s pace or scope.

“Stay focused, deliver the work, and let the results speak,” – President Tinubu reportedly told the minister, signaling strong political backing for the highway project.
Coastal Highway Nigeria

The Coastal Highway is expected to connect major coastal cities, boost trade, enhance tourism, and significantly improve transportation across Nigeria’s southern region. From Lagos to Calabar, the highway is designed to span over 700 kilometers, linking vital seaports, economic hubs, and tourism destinations.

Strategic Benefits of the Coastal Highway

Beyond improved travel times, this highway is projected to facilitate:

  • Uninterrupted coastal trade and cargo movement
  • Enhanced access to Free Trade Zones like Lekki and Calabar
  • Tourism growth through better access to beach towns and heritage sites
  • Job creation in construction, logistics, and services

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Environmental & Community Concerns

Despite its merits, the highway hasn’t come without criticism. Environmental groups and civil society have raised alarms about potential displacement of coastal dwellers, marine habitat disruption, and lack of public consultation.

In response, the Minister of Works emphasized that the highway’s design and execution are being conducted in strict adherence to Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and that compensation is being processed for affected communities. “We are not just building a road. We are building a legacy that respects people and the planet,” he stated.

There are also proposals to integrate environmentally friendly materials, green bridges, and solar-powered lighting along segments of the route.

Funding, Partners & Timeline

The Coastal Highway will be funded through a combination of federal allocations, Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), and multilateral loans. As of 2025, talks are already in advanced stages with infrastructure partners from China, UAE, and the EU.

According to Umahi, the project will be completed in five stages over eight years, with the first segment — Lagos to Lekki — already undergoing preliminary construction. If all milestones are met, full completion is expected by 2033.

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Public Reaction & Civic Hopes

Nigerians have reacted with mixed feelings online. While many are excited about the prospects, others are skeptical, citing a history of abandoned infrastructure projects and mismanagement.

“Please don’t make this another ghost project. We are tired of ribbon cuttings with no results,” — a user commented on X (formerly Twitter).

Nonetheless, others are choosing optimism: “If this government can deliver the Coastal Highway in 8 years, it will be one of the best things that’s happened to our region in decades,” a Lagos-based entrepreneur noted.

Job Opportunities and Economic Growth

In addition to logistics, the highway is expected to attract heavy investment in tourism resorts, manufacturing clusters, and marine-based businesses. The Ministry of Works estimates over 150,000 direct and indirect jobs could be created during the project’s lifecycle.

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) along the route will also benefit from easier market access, cheaper transportation, and increased customer reach.

Digital & Security Integration

In line with smart infrastructure trends, the highway will include intelligent traffic systems (ITS), surveillance cameras, digital toll booths, and emergency response points. Security remains a key part of the plan, especially in sensitive zones prone to banditry or sea piracy.

Plans are underway to partner with the Nigerian Navy and Federal Road Safety Corps to ensure the corridor remains safe for 24-hour travel.

Final Word

The Coastal Highway represents more than just another construction project — it’s a symbol of Nigeria’s aspiration for modern infrastructure that works, connects, and empowers. While challenges remain, the political will, technical expertise, and national urgency appear stronger than ever.

Whether it becomes a blueprint for future mega-projects or another forgotten file will depend largely on transparency, consistent funding, and civic monitoring.

For now, all eyes are on Umahi and his team — and on the road ahead.

Also read: How to Create and Fund a Virtual Dollar Card from Nigeria

πŸ“… Posted on: August 3, 2025 | 🏷️ Labels: Coastal Highway, Infrastructure, Nigeria Development, Tinubu, NSMedia

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