Minister of Works, David Umahi, disclosed this at the Edo State Independence Gala Night held at the State Villa in Benin City. According to him, the landmark highway, first conceived by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu nearly five decades ago, initially bypassed Edo in its alignment.
“The route was earlier announced, but unfortunately, it did not include Edo State. Today, the difference in length from 700km to 750km is because a miracle happened here. The President directed that the highway must run from Lagos to Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and end in Cross River,” Umahi explained.
A statement by his media aide, Orji Uchenna Orji, quoted the minister as applauding Edo State for supporting President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda. He assured residents of timely and quality delivery of federal projects in the state despite existing funding and infrastructural challenges.
Focus on Road Rehabilitation
The Works Minister also commended Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for stepping in to rehabilitate the Benin–Sapele–Warri Road, which he described as a “death trap” for motorists. While noting progress on the project, Umahi directed the contractor, CBC, to scale up activities and provide daily updates to the ministry.
Governor’s Reaction
Governor Okpebholo, in his remarks, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the highway extension and for improvements on other federal roads across Edo. He said the inclusion of Edo in the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway is a testament to the President’s goodwill toward the state.
“Recently, I drove through this axis and was almost moved to tears seeing the state of the road. Our people cannot go about their daily activities without struggling on these roads,” the governor said.
He urged Nigerians to view constructive criticism as a call to action, stressing that both state and federal governments must play their roles to meet the people’s expectations.
