The Federal Government has approved an additional 100 kilometres to the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway to ensure the multi-billion-naira project passes through Edo State, bringing the total stretch to 800 kilometres and expanding coverage to nine states across southern Nigeria.

The disclosure was made by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, during the Independence Gala Night hosted by the Edo State Government at the State Villa, Benin City, on October 1, 2025.

Umahi said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu personally directed the inclusion of Edo in the project, emphasizing that it was a correction of historical oversight.

“This project must pass from Lagos to Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River. And that is why we are here,” Umahi said. “Your Excellency, the President has given you 100 kilometres of the coastal road.”

The minister explained that when the idea of the coastal road was first conceived 47 years ago, the original route excluded Edo State. However, under the Renewed Hope Agenda, President Tinubu has ensured the state is now part of the landmark project.

“When you heard 700 kilometres and today you hear 800 kilometres, the difference is coming from here,” Umahi added.

He thanked the government and people of Edo for their strong support of federal initiatives and assured them of the administration’s commitment to timely and quality delivery of ongoing projects — despite the infrastructural and funding challenges inherited from previous governments.

Umahi also commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for his intervention on the Benin–Sapele–Warri road, describing sections of it as a “death trap” for motorists before recent repairs. He praised CBC Construction Company for the quality of work done so far, but urged the firm to increase its pace and work round the clock to complete the project.

“The controller must send me photos of work done every day. We must do more work at night,” Umahi directed.

In his response, Governor Okpebholo expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for extending the coastal highway to Edo and for the renewed attention to the state’s road infrastructure.

“This gesture shows the President’s genuine interest in the people of Edo,” the governor said. “The government is trying, and whoever criticizes it doesn’t know what he’s doing — though criticism can be a wake-up call for all of us.”

He recounted a recent personal experience on the Benin–Sapele–Warri axis that “almost made him weep,” describing the gridlock and frequent accidents that have plagued the route.

“Benin people use this road the most — to go to work, markets, and back home. We must fix it. Whether federal or state, our people are crying out,” he emphasized.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to change the narrative of infrastructure decay in Edo and to collaborate with the Federal Government in ensuring safer, smoother, and more durable roads for residents.

Key Facts:

• Total length: 800km

• States covered: Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River

• Project origin: Conceived 47 years ago

• Added stretch for Edo: 100km

• Main contractors (for related routes): CBC Construction