President Bola Tinubu has approved several major road and bridge projects aimed at improving transportation, boosting trade, and connecting more parts of Nigeria. The new approvals include extending the Fourth Legacy Highway by 400 kilometres, bringing its total length to about 1,100 kilometres.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, during a media briefing in Abuja. He described the projects as part of the Federal Government’s efforts to modernise the country’s road network and improve economic development.
One of the biggest approvals is the extension of the Fourth Legacy Highway into Taraba State. The road was originally planned to connect Akwanga in Nasarawa State to Maiduguri in Borno State through several northern states. With the new extension, the highway will now pass through more communities in Taraba, creating stronger links between the North-Central and North-East regions.
Umahi said the project would improve movement, support businesses, and strengthen national unity by making travel easier across different parts of the country.
The President also approved the complete reconstruction of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway using reinforced concrete instead of asphalt. According to the minister, parts of the expressway have started showing signs of damage less than five years after rehabilitation. He explained that reinforced concrete is stronger, requires less maintenance, and can last between 50 and 100 years.
Another important approval is the completion of the long-abandoned Ibi Bridge project in Taraba State. The bridge was awarded in 2018 but was left unfinished after reaching about 40 percent completion. The government has now approved its review and completion to improve access within the state.
Tinubu also approved the construction of the 5.76-kilometre Lau Bridge across the Benue River in Taraba State. Once completed, the bridge is expected to improve transportation and make it easier for people and goods to move across the river.
In addition, the Federal Government approved the dualisation of another 400 kilometres of the East-West Road from Lokoja to Benin. The project is expected to improve road safety, reduce travel time, and encourage more commercial activities along the busy route.
Umahi also announced that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway will now officially be known as the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Coastal Highway. He said the decision was made because the President had envisioned the project many years ago while serving as Governor of Lagos State.
Work is already progressing on different sections of the coastal highway. The first section from Victoria Island to Eleko Village in Lagos is moving steadily, while construction is also advancing in Ogun, Ondo, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom states. The highway includes several large bridges designed to handle heavy trucks, especially around the Dangote Refinery area.
The minister also provided updates on the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway and the Trans-Sahara Highway, saying construction is ongoing in different states. He explained that these projects will reduce travel time, improve connectivity, and support economic growth across Nigeria.
The Federal Government believes these large infrastructure projects will strengthen transportation, improve regional connections, and create more opportunities for businesses and citizens across the country.
