The Federal Government has officially approved the inclusion of Edo State in the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, marking a major expansion of the ambitious infrastructure initiative. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved a 100-kilometre stretch of the highway to pass through Edo, a decision announced by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, during the Edo State Independence Gala Night held at the State Villa in Benin City on October 1, 2025. The announcement was later confirmed in a statement issued by Umahi’s Special Adviser on Media, Orji Uchenna Orji, in Abuja.
According to Umahi, Edo was not initially part of the original alignment when the highway project was first conceived by President Tinubu many years ago. However, the current redesign now accommodates the state, ensuring it benefits directly from the massive project. He disclosed that the President personally instructed him that the highway must pass through Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and terminate in Cross River, adding that the decision was a demonstration of Tinubu’s commitment to balanced development across the country. Umahi went on to highlight that the Edo portion of the project covers 100 kilometres by 2 lanes, a development he described as a significant boost to the state’s infrastructure profile.
The Works Minister praised the Edo people for their support of the Renewed Hope Agenda and assured that, despite funding and infrastructure challenges, the federal government would complete all ongoing road projects inherited in the state. He also commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for stepping in to address critical sections of the Benin-Sapele-Warri road, while acknowledging progress by contractors handling other federal roads.
In his response, Governor Okpebholo expressed deep appreciation to President Tinubu for what he described as a show of love and recognition for Edo people. He said the inclusion of Edo in the coastal highway project was not only historic but also a demonstration of the President’s vision for equitable development. The governor urged Edo residents to reciprocate the gesture with strong political support ahead of 2027, stressing that such monumental projects must be matched with unity and collective commitment.
Okpebholo further praised Umahi for introducing innovative road construction methods that guarantee durability and value for money. While commending ongoing federal interventions, he lamented the poor condition of several other roads in the state, calling for urgent attention to ease the suffering of motorists and residents. According to him, addressing road challenges was vital not only for citizen welfare but also for sustaining political goodwill and economic growth.
The approval cements Edo State’s place in one of Nigeria’s most ambitious road projects, with the highway expected to boost connectivity, trade, and development across the coastal belt from Lagos to Calabar. The announcement at the Independence Gala added symbolic weight, coming on a day that underscored both national unity and renewed hope for inclusive development.
