President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has defended the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Agenda (RHIA), which includes the 750-kilometer Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway.
He described critics of the projects as "ill-informed" about the procurement structure and national significance.
President Tinubu emphasized that the projects are being implemented in manageable sections, ensuring accountability and efficiency. He stated that no contractor has been awarded the entire length of the coastal highway.
The President highlighted progress on the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, a project initially envisioned nearly five decades ago. He noted that over 10 kilometers of a three-lane carriageway have been completed in Kebbi State.
Tinubu urged governors to collaborate with the Federal Government to align building approvals, reducing compensation burdens and delays in project implementation.
He said: “I urge you, David (Umahi), to ignore those critics; they lack understanding. If they find fault with the road or deem it too costly, let them pay a toll to use it.
“It is necessary to note that the Federal Executive Council approved our legacy projects to be procured, awarded and constructed in sections.”
The President reported progress on Section II of the highway, with over 10 kilometers of the 55-kilometer stretch completed.
Work has started on a 120-kilometer three-lane section from Illela, with the first 10 kilometers already completed.
The route, which is under active development, will link Calabar to Abuja through Ebonyi, Benue, Kogi, and Nasarawa states — creating new commercial arteries across central Nigeria and beyond.
Tinubu directed relevant authorities to accelerate the design and procurement of additional sections to meet rollout targets. He also appealed to governors to implement the ban on dredging within a 10km radius of all bridges nationwide.
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