The Federal Government has announced the inclusion of Edo State in the ongoing Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway project, adding an extra 100 kilometres to the road network.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, disclosed this during the Edo State Independence Gala Night at the Government House in Benin City.
Umahi explained that although the initial design excluded Edo, President Bola Tinubu directed that the alignment be expanded to cover Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River States.
“The difference in length from 700km to 750km is because a miracle happened here. The President ordered that Edo must be part of this historic project,” Umahi said.
In a statement by his media aide, Orji Uchenna Orji, the minister praised the people and government of Edo for their support of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda. He also promised timely and quality execution of federal road projects despite existing infrastructural and funding challenges.
Umahi further commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for stepping in to rehabilitate the Benin–Sapele–Warri highway, describing the road as a “death trap” for motorists. He directed the contractor handling the project, CBC to intensify efforts and provide daily progress updates to the ministry.
In his response, Governor Okpebholo thanked President Tinubu for extending the coastal highway to Edo and for ongoing rehabilitation of federal roads across the state. He described the gesture as proof of the President’s goodwill toward Edo people.
“Recently, I drove along this axis and was almost moved to tears at the terrible condition of the road. Our people cannot carry out their daily activities without struggling on these roads. The President is doing his best and criticism should serve as a wake-up call for us all. If I do my part and the Federal Government does its part, there will be no room for complaints,” the governor stated.
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