Oyetola Describes Coastal Highway as Key to Economic Growth

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has hailed the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway as a game-changing national project that will serve as an “economic artery connecting opportunity, innovation, and prosperity” along Nigeria’s coastline.

Speaking at the South-West Citizen-Government Engagement Summit in Akure, Ondo State, Oyetola urged regional leaders to leverage the vast economic opportunities the multi-billion-naira highway presents by investing in complementary tourism and infrastructure projects.

In a statement by his media aide, Dr. Bolaji Akinola, the minister noted that the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway is not just a transport link but a major driver of trade, investment, and sustainable regional development.

“The Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway is an economic artery that connects opportunity, innovation, and prosperity,” Oyetola said. “I call on leaders across the South-West to complement this visionary project by developing tourism infrastructure, coastal resorts, and cultural heritage attractions to fully harness the benefits of this new coastal route.”

He explained that the 700km expressway — which starts from Victoria Island in Lagos and passes through Ogun, Ondo, Delta, and Akwa Ibom before ending in Calabar — will strengthen the connection between coastal communities and inland markets. The project’s first phase, spanning 47.47km in Lagos, commenced in 2024.

Oyetola highlighted that the initiative will enhance coastal tourism, hospitality, and small-scale enterprises while opening new economic corridors to drive inclusive growth. He said the South-West region stands to gain significantly through job creation, increased investments, and the promotion of its cultural and natural assets.

Commending President Bola Tinubu for what he described as visionary leadership, Oyetola also lauded the administration’s success in expanding Nigeria’s continental shelf by 16,300 square kilometres, extending the country’s maritime boundary by about 20 nautical miles in some areas. He described the expansion as a major achievement that strengthens Nigeria’s maritime sovereignty and opens new frontiers for offshore investments, marine research, and renewable ocean energy.

“This maritime expansion provides the South-West with new opportunities for deep-sea exploration, marine innovation, and blue biotechnology,” he said. “It will attract private sector participation in logistics, shipbuilding, and marine technology — vital elements for long-term regional prosperity.”

The minister further called for stronger collaboration between the Federal Government and South-West states to advance port modernisation, maritime safety, fisheries, and non-oil export growth — all key pillars of Nigeria’s blue economy agenda.

Expressing concern over increasing waterway accidents, Oyetola urged coastal states to phase out wooden boats and enforce the use of life jackets for passengers and operators. He noted that replacing wooden vessels with fibre-reinforced boats would boost safety, support environmental sustainability, and create jobs for local craftsmen.

Oyetola expressed optimism that with innovation and coordinated leadership, the South-West could emerge as a continental model for maritime efficiency and sustainability.

“This is our time to build a vibrant blue economy that creates jobs, attracts investment, and celebrates our cultural and natural heritage,” he said. “If we use this opportunity wisely, the sea will not divide us — it will unite and enrich us.”

Once completed, the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway is expected to transform transportation across Nigeria’s southern corridor, linking key commercial centres and unlocking the full potential of the nation’s blue economy.