Oyetola Praises Coastal Highway Project as Economic Lifeline for Nigeria

Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has described the ongoing Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway project as a major economic lifeline that will reshape the nation’s transport and maritime landscape, enhance trade, and drive inclusive development across the coastal states. Oyetola made the remark during an inspection tour of sections of the project and at a ministerial briefing in Abuja, emphasizing that the multi-billion-dollar infrastructure would serve as a strategic corridor for industrialization, tourism, and logistics.

According to the minister, the coastal highway, which spans over 700 kilometres, is designed to connect Lagos in the Southwest to Calabar in the South-South, traversing key coastal cities such as Lekki, Ijebu-Ode, Ore, Benin, Sapele, Warri, Yenagoa, Port Harcourt, and Uyo, before terminating in Calabar. Oyetola stated that the project would not only open up new business opportunities but also integrate marine transportation with road infrastructure to improve the movement of goods and people across the region.

“This project is a bold statement of our administration’s commitment to modern infrastructure and sustainable development. It will stimulate commerce, create thousands of jobs, and serve as a catalyst for economic diversification, particularly in tourism, trade, and logistics,” Oyetola said. “The coastal highway will unlock the full potential of our blue economy by connecting major ports, industrial hubs, and coastal communities, ensuring that Nigeria fully benefits from its maritime resources.”

He further noted that the project aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes infrastructure-led growth as a means of reducing poverty, attracting investment, and strengthening Nigeria’s global competitiveness. Oyetola emphasized that the highway would play a pivotal role in linking the Lekki Deep Sea Port, the Dangote Refinery, and other major industrial facilities, thereby easing logistics bottlenecks and boosting non-oil exports.

The minister highlighted that the project would also enhance regional integration among coastal states and serve as a platform for private-sector investment in maritime transport and hospitality. “It is not just a road; it is an economic ecosystem that will drive sustainable prosperity for generations. Once completed, it will reduce transportation costs, expand trade routes, and facilitate seamless movement of goods from ports to inland markets,” he added.

Industry stakeholders have echoed Oyetola’s optimism, describing the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway as a transformative project capable of redefining Nigeria’s economic geography. According to Dr. Olumide Adesina, a maritime economist, the project could contribute as much as 3 percent to Nigeria’s GDP over the next decade by unlocking trade potential and supporting ancillary industries. “It will stimulate real estate development, increase tourism inflows, and create massive opportunities for local businesses,” he said.

The Federal Ministry of Works, which is overseeing construction in collaboration with private contractors, disclosed that the highway will feature 10 lanes, including dedicated lanes for commercial trucks and electric vehicles, as well as smart tolling systems to ensure smooth operations. The project is being implemented through a public-private partnership (PPP) model, with government funding complemented by private investment and long-term financing.

Oyetola emphasized that environmental sustainability remains central to the project’s design, noting that the highway incorporates climate-resilient engineering features to mitigate coastal erosion and flooding. “We have taken environmental concerns seriously. The project is being executed with adherence to global standards, including proper environmental impact assessments and community consultations,” he assured.

Communities along the construction route have expressed optimism about the potential economic benefits, though some have raised concerns about displacement and compensation. The minister stated that the federal government is working closely with the affected communities to ensure that compensation is paid promptly and fairly, adding that local workers are being prioritized in recruitment for construction-related jobs.

The minister also noted that the coastal highway will facilitate Nigeria’s participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by providing a vital transport link for goods destined for other West and Central African markets. “With this infrastructure, we can significantly reduce trade costs and improve logistics efficiency, making Nigerian exports more competitive across the continent,” Oyetola said.

In addition, the project is expected to complement other infrastructure initiatives, including the Benin River Port, the Ondo Deep Seaport, and inland dry ports in the North, thus creating an integrated logistics network that supports seamless trade flows between Nigeria’s hinterlands and coastal areas.

Experts in the construction and transport sectors have hailed the government’s commitment to accelerating the project’s pace. Engr. Babatunde Akinwunmi, a transport development consultant, said the project “has the potential to become one of Africa’s most economically impactful road networks, fostering urbanization and inter-state trade like never before.”

Oyetola reiterated that the coastal highway is more than an infrastructure project—it is a symbol of hope and renewal for Nigeria’s economy. “This project will connect communities, create wealth, and strengthen our maritime economy. It will serve as an enduring legacy for future generations,” he said.

He also encouraged Nigerian businesses to take advantage of emerging opportunities in construction materials, logistics, tourism, and hospitality services along the highway corridor. The federal government, he added, will continue to work with investors, state governments, and international partners to ensure that the highway becomes a benchmark for regional infrastructure excellence.

As the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway progresses, expectations remain high that it will redefine the movement of goods, people, and investments across Nigeria’s southern belt, unlocking unprecedented opportunities in trade, employment, and industrial development. Oyetola’s optimism reflects a growing national consensus that the coastal corridor could indeed become Nigeria’s most important route to sustained economic transformation and maritime prosperity.