President Tinubu to inaugurate Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway section I, Mark ECOWAS 50th anniversary in Lagos

In a significant boost to Nigeria’s infrastructure development and a strong affirmation of regional cooperation, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to inaugurate Section I of the highly anticipated Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway on Saturday, May 31, 2025.

This landmark event, a cornerstone of his working visit to Lagos, will also see the President partake in the 50th-anniversary celebrations of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), underscoring Nigeria’s pivotal role in West African integration.

The Presidency announced on Monday, May 26, that the inauguration of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Section I marks a major stride in the federal government’s ambitious infrastructure development agenda.

This flagship project is envisioned as a catalyst for economic growth, aiming to significantly enhance Nigeria’s transportation network, improve regional connectivity, and facilitate trade along the nation’s southern coastal corridor.

Upon completion, Section I is expected to drastically reduce travel time, improve road safety, and stimulate socio-economic development in the states it traverses.

Beyond the highway, President Tinubu’s visit to Lagos will also include the official opening of the Lekki Deep Sea Port Tax Credit Concrete Road, a vital link to one of West Africa’s most modern ports.

Furthermore, he will flag off Section II of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, signaling the continued commitment to the project’s completion, and commission the 7th Axial Road, another critical transportation artery designed to ease urban congestion.

In a demonstration of the administration’s commitment to balanced regional development, President Tinubu will also virtually inaugurate several key road projects across northern Nigeria. These include:

• The Kano-Kanwar-Danja-Hadejiya Section II Road
• The Yakasai-Zalli Road
• The Kano Northern By-pass
• The Zaria-Hunkuyi-Dabai Section I
• The Dabai-Kafur-Malumfashi Road
• The Malumfashi-Dayi-Yashe-Gidan Mutum Daya Section III

These virtual commissioning events highlight the government’s strategic focus on improving intra-regional connectivity and fostering inclusive national development across all geopolitical zones.

Adding an international dimension to his visit, President Tinubu, in his capacity as the current Chairperson of ECOWAS, will participate in the activities commemorating the 50th anniversary of the regional bloc.

The celebrations in Lagos will honor five decades of dedicated efforts towards regional integration, economic cooperation, and peace-building among West African nations.

ALSO READ : President Tinubu pledges renewed commitment to Nigerian children on National Children’s Day

During the ECOWAS event, President Tinubu is expected to deliver keynote addresses and engage with fellow regional leaders on strategies to deepen economic integration and bolster security cooperation within West Africa.

Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, emphasized in a statement that these infrastructure developments are a testament to the administration’s “unwavering commitment to building a modern Nigeria through strategic investments in transportation.” He further noted that President Tinubu’s presence in Lagos for both the highway inauguration and the ECOWAS anniversary underscores Nigeria’s significant leadership role in both regional and continental affairs.

“Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, emphasized in a statement that these infrastructure developments are a testament to the administration’s ‘unwavering commitment to building a modern Nigeria through strategic investments in transportation.’ He further noted that President Tinubu’s presence in Lagos for both the highway inauguration and the ECOWAS anniversary underscores Nigeria’s significant leadership role in both regional and continental affairs.”

The inauguration of Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Section I and the associated projects are anticipated to profoundly impact Nigeria’s economic landscape.

Beyond facilitating the efficient movement of goods and people across southern Nigeria, these projects are expected to enhance access to crucial ports, markets, and economic zones.

Furthermore, they are projected to generate substantial employment opportunities during and after construction, and attract vital investments in trade, tourism, and industry along the expansive coastal corridor, paving the way for a more prosperous and interconnected Nigeria.