LAGOS, Nigeria — President Bola Tinubu on Saturday, May 31, 2025, formally commissioned the first phase of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway amid political undertones, notably sidestepping Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu during a public handshake session.
The event, which marked the unveiling of a 30-kilometre stretch of the ambitious coastal route, drew national attention not only for its infrastructure significance but also for what appeared to be a public snub of the Lagos governor.
As President Tinubu arrived at the venue, he was seen greeting Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Finance Minister Wale Edun, and other dignitaries.
However, he walked past Governor Sanwo-Olu, who bowed in greeting but received no acknowledgment.
The coastal highway project, which is set to connect Lagos to Calabar, is being touted by the federal government as a transformative infrastructure initiative.
Speaking at the commissioning, Tinubu called it a symbol of national unity and long-term economic development.
“It is all about the people. We are giving all incentives to everyone to abide by the principles of Nigeria First,” Tinubu said, appealing to Nigerians to remain patient amid ongoing economic challenges.
“I know expectations are still very high, and our people are going through difficult times, but hope is here and it is realisable,” he added, noting signs of economic recovery such as stabilising inflation, a more balanced exchange rate, and efforts to curb corruption and subsidy abuses.
The president also spoke on education reforms, saying, “This is your opportunity. It is your children who must go through higher education. We are paying for all of that.”
Acknowledging the debate surrounding the highway’s routing, Tinubu defended the project, commending Works Minister Senator David Umahi and Hitech Construction Company for their role in delivering the initial segment using continuously reinforced concrete pavement.
Umahi, in his remarks, addressed claims regarding property destruction.
He clarified that the Federal Government did not demolish Landmark Africa’s properties during the project and highlighted the administration’s willingness to compensate affected parties.
“By law, the Federal Government is not supposed to pay compensation for shanties along the road, but the President directed that compensation should be paid,” Umahi said.
He revealed that ₦18 billion had already been disbursed in compensation for Phase 1 of the project.
The Minister also announced that state governors overseeing Federal Government projects are to allocate at least 500 metres from the edge of the carriageway, which will serve as part of a tolling framework.
President Tinubu reiterated the importance of developing local engineering expertise to ensure long-term sustainability.
“We must continue to train our Nigerian engineers. That’s the way to ensure these kinds of projects last beyond a lifetime,” he said.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, one of Nigeria’s most expansive infrastructure undertakings in recent years, is expected to catalyse trade, tourism, and regional integration.
The brief but visible sidestep of Governor Sanwo-Olu has sparked quiet speculation about shifting political dynamics within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 elections.
