The Federal Government says the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is expected to strengthen economic activities across southern Nigeria by improving road connections and making it easier to transport agricultural produce, industrial materials and other goods.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, South-South, Mrs Gift Johnbull, disclosed this while addressing journalists in Abuja on Friday, October 23, 2026.
Johnbull said the highway, alongside other major road projects in the South-South, could improve movement between communities, expand commercial opportunities and support businesses that depend on reliable transportation.
She commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for prioritising infrastructure projects intended to address transportation difficulties and encourage economic development in the region.
Lagos-Calabar Highway Expected to Improve Regional Connectivity
According to Johnbull, the coastal highway is among the projects expected to improve connections between major economic centres and communities in southern Nigeria.
She explained that improved road infrastructure would help facilitate the movement of farm produce, manufactured products and resources associated with the oil and gas industry.
The presidential aide also identified the Benin-Asaba dual carriageway, Benin Bypass, Benin-Sapele-Warri corridor, Auchi-Ehor Road and East-West Road among the transport projects being undertaken in the region.
She said the investments form part of the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to expand economic opportunities and address longstanding infrastructure challenges.
NDDC Road and Bridge Projects Highlighted
Johnbull also drew attention to infrastructure projects being undertaken by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
The projects she mentioned include the Kaa-Ataba Bridge connecting Khana and Andoni, Ogu Road Network, Obehie-Oke-Ikpe Road, Bonny Ring Road and Okrika-Borokiri Bridge.
She said such investments were important for communities where poor road access has affected transportation, commerce and access to essential services.
The presidential aide maintained that improving road networks and bridges could help strengthen economic links between communities and major commercial centres.
Presidency Highlights Ogoni Environmental Restoration
Beyond road construction, Johnbull outlined environmental and social interventions being implemented in the South-South.
She said the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) had restored more than one million mangroves and provided potable water to 49 communities.
According to her, the programme had also generated more than 7,000 direct employment opportunities.
Johnbull identified the Ogoni Specialist Hospital and cottage hospital projects as part of wider efforts to improve healthcare services in underserved communities.
She said environmental restoration, healthcare development and access to basic amenities were important components of the government’s development programmes in the Niger Delta.
South-South Students Receive N17.6bn in Education Loans
The presidential aide also highlighted education support through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
She said nearly 198,000 students from the South-South had benefited from loans exceeding N17.6 billion.
According to Johnbull, the programme is helping eligible students meet educational expenses and continue their studies.
She further mentioned the Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme as one of the initiatives designed to expand digital skills and employment opportunities.
Solar Power, Housing and CNG Transport Projects
On electricity access, Johnbull identified Rural Electrification Agency projects, including solar mini-grid developments in Etung Local Government Area of Cross River State and Ogu-Bolo in Rivers State.
She also referenced the Federal Government’s $750 million renewable energy programme as part of efforts to improve electricity access.
Other initiatives highlighted included housing projects in Asaba, Uyo and Port Harcourt, alongside compressed natural gas buses in Benin City and Port Harcourt.
Johnbull said solar-powered healthcare facilities and other interventions were intended to improve access to essential services and support economic activity in communities across the region.
South-South Supporters Speak on 2027 Elections
During the engagement, Johnbull also expressed support for President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
A grassroots supporter from Cross River State, Cletus Ojuiso, praised the administration’s community engagement and education initiatives.
He said government programmes had provided opportunities for young people, including students from disadvantaged backgrounds, to continue their education.
Also speaking, Senior Legislative Aide in the House of Representatives, Victoria Uko, said a database of women holding Permanent Voter Cards had been compiled as part of political mobilisation efforts.
Uko encouraged women in the South-South to support Tinubu’s re-election bid.
The statements reflected the positions of the speakers at the engagement and were not presented as the views of all residents of the region.
