As President Tinubu Approves 100km Coastal Highway for Edo State
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, were visibly emotional as they lamented the deplorable state of federal roads in Edo, describing the suffering of motorists as tragic and unacceptable.
During an inspection of the Benin–Warri dual carriageway bypass, both leaders condemned years of neglect that had left the roads in terrible condition, subjecting commuters to daily hardship.
Governor Okpebholo and Minister Umahi, however, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his swift interventions to reverse decades of infrastructural decay, stressing the urgency of delivering durable solutions.
The Minister noted that no motorist could travel 100 kilometres on federal highways without encountering major challenges, citing the extensive backlog of failed projects inherited by President Tinubu.
“President Tinubu met an overwhelming situation in terms of roads and bridges. You can’t travel 100 kilometres on federal roads without encountering serious difficulties. But the President is showing resolve, and Nigerians are already commending his efforts,” Umahi said, referencing commendations from national figures including Arise Television Chairman, Nduka Obaigbena.
Umahi also praised Governor Okpebholo for stepping in after the termination of a failed contract on the Benin–Warri road, awarding new works to CBC Construction. He explained that new measures, including reinforced concrete pavement designed to last up to 100 years, were now being deployed.
Governor Okpebholo, in his remarks, recounted his shock at the number of accidents and stranded vehicles he witnessed during a personal inspection, noting:
“I almost wept when I saw the broken-down trailers and vehicles. Urgent action is needed, and I am glad the Minister has joined us to push for solutions.”
The Governor emphasized that quality road infrastructure is critical not only for citizens’ welfare but also for the ruling party’s credibility. He assured Edo people that with both state and federal collaboration, the roads will be fixed before the next rainy season.
Later that evening, at an Independence Day dinner held in honour of the Minister, Umahi delivered a landmark announcement: President Tinubu had approved the inclusion of Edo State in the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway project.
“To the glory of God, Mr. President has directed that 100 kilometres by two lanes of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway must now pass through Edo. This is a special gift to the people of Edo,” Umahi declared, to thunderous applause.
Originally, Edo was excluded from the highway route, but Umahi explained that Tinubu was impressed by Governor Okpebholo’s commitment to infrastructure, insisting the state must benefit.
Governor Okpebholo expressed profound gratitude to the President, describing the project as a turning point in Edo’s infrastructure development.
“The President treats me like a son. This 100km coastal highway is proof of his love for our state,” he said, while hailing Umahi as “the best Minister for Works Nigeria has ever had.”
With the approval, Edo now joins Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River as beneficiaries of one of the Tinubu administration’s most ambitious projects, being handled by Hi-Tech Construction Nigeria Limited.
