Tinubu Appeals to Nigerians for Patience as Economic Reforms Take Shape

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has once again called on Nigerians to remain patient and hopeful as his administration intensifies efforts to implement critical economic and infrastructure reforms aimed at repositioning the country. He made the appeal on Saturday during the official inauguration of Phase 1, Section 1 of the ambitious 750-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project.

Speaking at the commissioning of the newly completed 30-kilometre, six-lane stretch of the highway, Tinubu acknowledged the current economic hardship confronting many Nigerians but expressed confidence that the nation’s challenges would soon give way to tangible improvements.

“I am fully aware of the difficult conditions many of our people are facing at this time. The expectations are high, and the sacrifices are real,” the President said. “However, I want to assure every Nigerian that the hope we promised is not just a slogan. It is real and within reach.”

Tinubu outlined the progress being made in stabilizing the country’s economy, pointing to declining inflation rates and ongoing efforts to eliminate systemic corruption. “We are beginning to see results. Inflation is gradually declining. We have dismantled corruption in the foreign exchange market and drastically reduced fraudulent activities surrounding the fuel subsidy regime,” he noted.

According to the President, these reforms are part of a broader strategy to revamp the Nigerian economy and promote self-sufficiency. “We are focused on reducing production costs and supporting local manufacturing. We are also offering incentives that encourage transparency and adherence to sustainable practices. All these are steps towards creating a more resilient and inclusive economy,” he said.

While commending the progress made on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Tinubu issued a stern warning to developers and landowners. He cautioned that any structures erected on government-acquired land without appropriate approvals would not be compensated, reinforcing his administration’s zero-tolerance stance on unauthorized development.

“Let me make it clear to all developers: the Federal Government has established and gazetted the required setbacks to ensure proper urban planning and national interest. Any development outside these approvals will not be recognized or compensated,” he warned. “We are ready to enforce these regulations with all necessary measures.”

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, who also spoke at the event, provided technical insights into the scope of the highway project. He said the road is designed as a six-lane expressway with a total corridor width of 60 metres, adding that the first phase has been executed with careful attention to legal boundaries and existing structures.

Addressing earlier controversies about encroachments, Umahi clarified that the project did not damage the popular Landmark Beach property as claimed by some critics. “Mr. President, as per your directive, we made every effort to avoid demolishing any existing infrastructure. The only area affected was an illegal encroachment on the Federal Government’s shoreline,” he explained.

Citing a Supreme Court ruling, Umahi emphasized that 250 metres from the shoreline legally belongs to the Federal Government. “What was touched was within that legally protected zone, and we acted fully within the law,” he added.

In a move to safeguard the future of federal infrastructure, President Tinubu has now directed governors of states hosting major federal road projects to ensure a minimum of 500 metres is reserved from the edge of the carriageway. According to Umahi, this space will be used for tolling, maintenance, and support facilities critical to the sustainability of such projects.

The Minister further disclosed that despite legal provisions excluding unauthorized structures from compensation, the President had approved payments to affected persons. “Ordinarily, the law does not require the Federal Government to pay compensation for shanties or unapproved buildings along federal roads. But in his compassion, President Tinubu directed that those affected be compensated,” he said.

So far, Umahi revealed, the Federal Government has disbursed a total of ₦18 billion in compensation related to the Phase 1 section of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project.

When fully completed, the 750-kilometre coastal highway is expected to link major cities across Nigeria’s southern corridor, boosting commerce, improving connectivity, enhancing tourism, and reducing travel time along the coastline. It stands as a flagship initiative of Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” development agenda, aimed at delivering lasting infrastructure and economic prosperity.

In closing, President Tinubu urged Nigerians to continue supporting the reforms, reiterating his administration’s dedication to improving the lives of all citizens. “The journey may be tough, but we are making steady progress. Together, with patience and unity, we will reach our destination. A brighter future awaits us all,” he assured.