President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has once again urged Nigerians to exercise patience and remain hopeful as his administration continues to implement wide-reaching economic and infrastructure reforms. Speaking on Saturday during the official commissioning of the completed Phase 1, Section 1 of the 750-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the President acknowledged the tough economic realities many citizens are facing but emphasized that the sacrifices being made will soon yield tangible benefits.
At the inauguration ceremony, which marked the opening of a six-lane, 30-kilometre stretch of the highway, Tinubu made a heartfelt appeal to the nation. “I know that at this stage, expectations remain high, and our people are still enduring difficult times. I take this opportunity to appeal to all Nigerians: the hope we promised is real and achievable,” he stated.
The President assured Nigerians that efforts to stabilize the economy are already bearing fruit. “There is light at the end of the tunnel. Inflation is coming down gradually. We’ve eliminated corruption in the foreign exchange system and drastically reduced the fraud associated with the fuel subsidy. All of these reforms are for you, the Nigerian people,” Tinubu said.
He highlighted the government’s commitment to supporting local production, saying, “We are cutting the cost of manufacturing and encouraging local industries. Incentives are being provided to promote adherence to transparent and sustainable practices. These actions are part of a broader plan to build a more resilient economy.
Tinubu Appeals for Patience, Reassures Nigerians Amid Ongoing Economic and Infrastructure Reforms
The President also used the occasion to caution real estate developers and land speculators against encroaching on government-acquired lands without proper authorization. He emphasized that development on unapproved land would not be eligible for compensation. “Let me warn all developers: the Federal Government has reinforced the designated setbacks in the national interest. Any development carried out without approval will not be compensated,” he said firmly. “We have published and gazetted the setback boundaries, and we are prepared to enforce them strictly.”
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, provided technical details about the coastal highway project. He explained that the road is being constructed as a six-lane carriageway, with a total corridor width of 60 metres. Umahi reiterated the administration’s commitment to preserving existing infrastructure and avoiding unnecessary demolition.
“Mr. President, I want to state clearly that no harm was done to the landmark property,” Umahi said, referring to earlier concerns about encroachment during construction. “Under your directive, we ensured the preservation of as much existing infrastructure as possible, even when some had violated the gazetted route. What was removed was limited to the portion that encroached on the Federal Government’s shoreline.”
Umahi cited a Supreme Court ruling that affirms the Federal Government’s authority over a 250-metre stretch from the shoreline, underscoring that the actions taken during construction were in accordance with the law.
The minister also announced a new directive from President Tinubu, instructing governors of states with major federal infrastructure projects to allocate a minimum of 500 metres from the edge of carriageways. This buffer zone, he said, would be used to support a tolling and maintenance system essential to sustaining the infrastructure.
Addressing concerns about displaced residents and property owners, Umahi disclosed that despite legal exemptions, the President ordered the payment of compensation to individuals affected by the construction. “By law, the Federal Government is not obligated to pay for shanties or structures built without proper approval. However, President Tinubu directed that compensation should be made,” he said.
He revealed that a total of ₦18 billion had already been disbursed as compensation for the first phase of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project.
The coastal highway, when completed, is expected to enhance connectivity between coastal cities, boost tourism, reduce travel time, and spur economic activity across Nigeria’s southern corridor. It forms a critical part of Tinubu’s infrastructure development agenda and his broader Renewed Hope vision.
As the President continues to champion reform and development, his message remains clear: the road ahead may be challenging, but with patience, resilience, and unity, Nigerians can look forward to a brighter and more prosperous future.
