In a marked departure from the administrative style of his predecessor, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is carving out his own legacy through strategic infrastructure decisions. One of the most ambitious and talked-about projects under his leadership is the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. The highway, which is intended to span Nigeria’s southern coastal corridor from Lagos in the Southwest to Cross River in the South-South, encapsulates Tinubu’s resolve to assert a proactive and personal approach to governance, a move that distinctly contrasts with the methodical but oftentimes distant style of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
This project, estimated to cost trillions of naira and stretch approximately 700 kilometers when completed, is more than a road. It is a symbol of Tinubu’s attempt to put his stamp on Nigeria’s development map—both literally and figuratively—by fast-tracking transformative infrastructure. Yet, the initiative has not escaped intense scrutiny, especially from critics who argue that it has taken a political rather than technocratic route. Still, it offers a valuable lens through which to explore Tinubu’s evolving leadership style, the economic implications of the project, and the broader political significance of infrastructure in contemporary Nigeria.
From Buhari’s Distant Governance to Tinubu’s Hands-On Approach
Under Muhammadu Buhari, governance was characterized by delegation. The former president was often seen as aloof, allowing ministers and appointees to carry the weight of policy implementation while he remained largely silent on granular operational issues. While this approach was seen by some as disciplined and in line with Buhari’s military background, it drew criticism for fostering bureaucratic inertia and sluggish project execution.
President Tinubu, by contrast, has demonstrated a penchant for micro-level involvement. The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project showcases this vividly. Since assuming office, Tinubu has regularly held briefings with key stakeholders, pushed for rapid mobilization of contractors, and has not hesitated to publicly defend the project against critics. His visible presence in the implementation of this massive infrastructure drive stands in stark contrast to Buhari’s more reticent style. Where Buhari focused on legacy through indirect administration, Tinubu is building his legacy with a clear personal imprint.
This proactive style has earned Tinubu both praise and criticism. Supporters argue that his hands-on involvement ensures accountability and accelerates development, while critics fear that bypassing conventional consultation channels—such as state governors, civil society, and technical experts—may result in a top-heavy and unsustainable implementation process.
A Controversial Start: Demolitions and Discontent
One of the most controversial aspects of the Lagos-Calabar highway project was the demolition of the Landmark Beach Resort in Lagos. The resort, a significant player in Nigeria’s tourism industry, was razed to make way for the highway’s path, leading to widespread public backlash. Industry experts noted that the resort attracted millions of visitors and employed thousands, contributing immensely to Nigeria’s GDP through leisure tourism.
While the federal government defended the demolition by citing the resort’s encroachment on the highway’s approved right of way, critics argued that alternative routing could have preserved both the project and the booming tourist destination. Tinubu’s supporters counter that such sacrifices are necessary for national development and that tough decisions reflect decisive leadership rather than populist appeasement.
However, this decision sparked fears among investors and urban dwellers about property rights and the sanctity of private investments. In response, the federal government offered reassurance that all affected parties would receive appropriate compensation and that future demolitions would adhere strictly to due process. Yet, the unease lingers, casting a shadow over what should be a flagship development initiative.
Infrastructure as a Political Tool
Historically, Nigerian leaders have used major infrastructure projects to define their legacy. From Obasanjo’s telecommunication revolution to Jonathan’s agricultural transformation agenda, and Buhari’s rail and power projects, public works have often doubled as political statements. Tinubu’s Lagos-Calabar highway project seems to fit into this tradition—only with more urgency and personal oversight.
Observers note that Tinubu is not just building roads; he is paving a political pathway that could serve multiple goals. These include stimulating economic activity across the southern corridor, asserting federal presence in historically marginalized areas, and creating tangible achievements to bolster his administration’s public approval.
The Lagos-Calabar highway also carries geopolitical implications. By connecting key southern states—Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River—Tinubu is not only improving logistics and trade routes but also consolidating political influence in regions where support for the ruling party has varied. If completed on schedule, the highway could boost Tinubu’s credentials ahead of future political contests and secure his party’s grip in these strategic states.
Economic Promise vs Fiscal Realities
Proponents of the Lagos-Calabar highway argue that it will unleash significant economic benefits. By linking commercial hubs, industrial zones, tourist destinations, and agricultural belts, the road is expected to enhance inter-state trade, reduce transportation costs, and attract foreign investment. The route also promises to open up currently inaccessible coastal communities, spur job creation, and stimulate hospitality and real estate growth.
However, concerns about the project’s cost and financing persist. Estimates suggest the project may cost over ₦15 trillion, a staggering amount in a country grappling with high debt servicing costs, inflation, and fluctuating oil revenues. Critics have questioned the prioritization of such a capital-intensive project when basic services like healthcare, education, and power infrastructure remain underfunded.
In defense, federal officials have stated that the project is being executed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework, thereby minimizing the strain on public funds. Yet, details of the financial model, including investor guarantees, risk-sharing formulas, and repayment plans, remain opaque. Transparency advocates have urged the government to disclose contractual terms to ensure accountability and avoid potential debt traps.
Technocratic Concerns and Governance Implications
Another key criticism surrounding the highway project is the perceived lack of thorough consultation and feasibility assessment. Experts argue that such a colossal project should have undergone extensive environmental impact analysis, public hearings, and technical reviews. While the government claims that due process was followed, the speed at which the project was awarded and commenced has raised eyebrows.
The choice of contractor has also drawn attention. While the selected firm has a track record in construction, its close association with Tinubu has led some to question the transparency of the bidding process. These concerns highlight the delicate balance Tinubu must strike between decisive leadership and institutional credibility. Ignoring technocratic input in favor of political expediency could undermine long-term project viability.
Furthermore, environmentalists have expressed concerns over the highway’s impact on Nigeria’s fragile coastal ecosystems. Coastal erosion, flooding, and habitat loss are already major issues, and without rigorous mitigation measures, the road could exacerbate these challenges. The absence of clear environmental safeguards has led civil society groups to call for independent assessments and ongoing environmental monitoring throughout the project lifecycle.
Tinubu’s Lagos-Calabar Highway: A Bold Shift in Nigerian Governance
Despite the controversy surrounding the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, it undeniably marks the beginning of a new chapter in Nigerian governance—one defined by urgency, visibility, and direct presidential involvement. President Bola Tinubu is determined to be remembered not merely as a leader who occupied the presidency, but as one who actively transformed Nigeria’s path to development.
In steering this ambitious infrastructure project, Tinubu is consciously breaking away from the style of his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari. While Buhari emphasized structure and bureaucratic order, Tinubu has adopted a more entrepreneurial, hands-on approach. His willingness to bypass red tape and engage directly in policy implementation underscores a leadership style rooted in bold decisions and personal accountability.
The outcome of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway could ultimately define Tinubu’s legacy in terms of infrastructure development. If the project is completed efficiently—with minimal displacement, high transparency, and strong economic benefits—it may stand as a landmark achievement. However, if it suffers from delays, budget overruns, or legal challenges, it risks becoming a high-profile example of poorly executed ambition.
As Nigeria watches closely, the highway project has become more than just a road—it is a symbol of Tinubu’s leadership philosophy and a key test of his administration’s long-term impact.
A Road to Transformation or Trouble?
President Bola Tinubu’s decision to fast-track the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway has placed him at the center of national attention. This project has triggered widespread debate about infrastructure, leadership, and the direction of Nigeria’s development. More than just a road, the highway symbolizes the bold and hands-on style that defines Tinubu’s presidency. He has shown a willingness to take risks, defy convention, and push forward with large-scale development, even in the face of public scrutiny.
By making this highway a top priority. His direct involvement sends a clear message: he wants to leave a visible and lasting legacy. The road stands as a metaphor for his leadership—ambitious, fast-moving, and heavily scrutinized.
Yet, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway remains a subject of heated debate. Environmental concerns, questions about transparency, and the displacement of communities have cast a shadow over its promise. For some, the project represents a bold leap toward national progress; for others, it signals a warning about unchecked development. Whether it becomes a symbol of visionary leadership or a lesson in hasty execution, one thing is clear: the final outcome will play a defining role in how President Bola Tinubu’s legacy is ultimately written.