President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that major national road and rail projects, including the Kaduna-Kano corridor and the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, are making significant progress under his administration.
Speaking during his national broadcast to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary on Wednesday, the President said transport infrastructure is central to his government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, adding that rail and road expansion will play a crucial role in driving economic growth and national integration.
In his words: “The administration is expanding transport infrastructure across the country, covering rail, roads, airports, and seaports. Rail and water transport grew by over 40% and 27%, respectively. The 284-kilometre Kano-Katsina-Maradi Standard Gauge rail project and the Kaduna-Kano rail line are nearing completion. Work is progressing well on the legacy Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and Sokoto-Badagry Highway. The Federal Executive Council recently approved $3 billion to complete the Eastern Rail Project.”
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, flagged off earlier in the year, is expected to connect nine coastal states, boost trade, and open up new economic corridors. Similarly, the Kaduna-Kano highway and rail line are critical to easing transportation bottlenecks in the North, facilitating movement of goods and people, and stimulating regional commerce.
President Tinubu stressed that infrastructure development remains a core priority for his government, noting that the projects will create jobs, attract investment, and enhance national security by improving accessibility across regions.
He added that despite economic difficulties, his administration is investing in strategic transport networks that will outlive his tenure and lay a sustainable foundation for future generations.
