President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to investing heavily in critical infrastructure projects across the country, called for stronger collaboration between federal and state governments to ensure seamless project execution.
Speaking on Thursday at the commissioning of the Lekki Deep Sea Port Access Road at the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Plant in Lagos, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of aligning state-level building approvals with federal development plans.
“I have directed the Minister of Works, David Umahi, and the Surveyor General of the Federation to work more closely with state governors,” the President said. “Proper alignment will reduce the burden of compensation and help eliminate delays in executing people-oriented projects.”
He urged governors to desist from granting planning approvals without input from relevant federal authorities, stressing that unified planning will accelerate national development goals.
President Tinubu also announced a nationwide ban on dredging within 10 kilometres of all bridges, directed governors, regulatory bodies, and security agencies to enforce the ban immediately to safeguard national infrastructure.
The President highlighted the phased and transparent approach of his administration in delivering legacy projects. He clarified misconceptions around the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, noting that the completed 30km segment is part of the 47.7km Section I contract not a 750km wholesale contract.
“Our approach has been systematic, transparent, and section-based,” Tinubu stated. “The Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, envisioned 47 years ago under the Shagari administration, is another legacy project we have revived. Construction is underway across multiple segments, and more are being designed and procured.”
He listed several ongoing and newly flagged-off projects, including:
Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway: Construction of Section I (120km) in Sokoto State and Section II (258km) in Kebbi State
Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway (Section II): 55km stretch from Lagos to Ogun State border
Zaria–Hunkuyi–Daya Road: 152.67km across Kaduna and Kano States
Dikwa–Gamboru–Ngala Road: 49.55km in Borno State
Kano–Maiduguri Road Dualisation: Linking Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi, Yobe, and Borno States
Maiduguri Ring Road: 108km
Kano Northern Bypass Road: 74km
Lekki Deep Sea Port to Ijebu-Ode Road: 25km, 6-lane axial road
Lokoja–Benin Road Rehabilitation: Rigid pavement construction
Oyo–Ogbomoso Road Dualisation: 104km
Kano–Daura–Kongolam Dualisation: 264km (BUA Tax Credit)
Bama–Banki Road Reconstruction: 49.15km (Dangote Tax Credit)
Also commissioned were:
Yakasai–Zalli Road (Kano State)
Shendam Bridge (Plateau State)
Kwanar-Hadejia Road (82km) in Kano/Jigawa
Jimeta Bridge (Adamawa State)
Ilobu–Erinle Road (Kwara/Osun States)
Cham–Numan Bridge (Adamawa State)
The President commended four prominent private sector leaders Jim Ovia, Femi Otedola, Abdulsamad Rabiu, and Aliko Dangote for their contributions to Nigeria’s economic development.
Speaking on behalf of the governors present, Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, thanked President Tinubu for eliminating fuel subsidy, which has led to increased allocations to states for infrastructure, education, and healthcare investments. He pledged continued collaboration with the Federal Government on national development initiatives.
President Tinubu expressed appreciation to Aliko Dangote for his continuous investment in the country and praised the quality of the access road to the Lekki Deep Sea Port, constructed under the Tax Credit Scheme by Dangote Industries Limited and executed by Hitech Construction Company.
“I am proud that the Deep Sea Port I initiated as Governor of Lagos State has become a successful national asset,” he said. “It is saving costs and enhancing trade.”
The event was attended by governors from Plateau, Abia, Enugu, Ogun, Borno, and Kaduna States.
