President Bola Tinubu has approved the realignment of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway to include a 100-kilometre stretch through Edo State, in what the Federal Government describes as part of its infrastructure revolution agenda.

The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, disclosed this during the Edo State Independence Gala Night held at the State Villa, Benin City, on October 1, 2025. His remarks were later contained in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja by his media aide, Orji Uchenna Orji.

Umahi explained that Edo was not originally captured in the design of the highway, first conceived decades ago by then-Senator Bola Tinubu, but the alignment has now been adjusted to pass through the state.

“The President called me and said this project must pass through Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and to Cross River. And that is why we are here. Your Excellency, the President has given you 100 kilometres by 2 of the coastal highway,” Umahi said.

The minister commended Edo people for supporting the Tinubu administration and assured that inherited federal road projects in the state would be completed despite fiscal and infrastructural constraints. He also applauded Governor Monday Okpebholo for stepping in to repair critical portions of the Benin-Sapele-Warri road, while noting progress by contractors handling other federal roads in Edo.

In his remarks, Governor Okpebholo thanked President Tinubu for extending the highway project to Edo, describing the decision as “a reflection of the President’s love for the Edo people.” He urged residents to reciprocate the gesture with massive political support for the President in 2027.

Okpebholo also praised Umahi’s innovative approach to road construction, which he said guarantees both quality and value for money. He pledged to sustain infrastructural development at the state level, while appealing for urgent intervention on other dilapidated federal roads.

“Fixing these roads is not only important for the welfare of our citizens but also critical to sustaining political goodwill for this administration,” the governor said.

The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, spanning over 700 kilometres across multiple states, is one of the flagship projects of the Tinubu administration, aimed at boosting commerce, connectivity, and tourism along Nigeria’s southern corridor.