President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to local content, technology transfer, and the empowerment of Nigerians as he commissioned the first phase of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and several major road projects across the country.

At the ceremony in Lagos on Saturday, President Tinubu directed the Minister of Works, David Umahi, and other ministers overseeing projects across the country to ensure full compliance with the laws on local content, training of Nigerians and technology transfer.

He emphasised that the government will no longer compensate developers who fail to observe legal building setbacks and approvals, stressing the need for urban planning and the rule of law.

“Let me warn all the developers that the Federal Government will enforce setbacks. If not for anything but for the interest of the nation. Developers who fail to get approvals will not be compensated. We have gazetted and published the setback, and we will enforce it in any way possible,” he said.

The President acknowledged Engineer Ronald Chagoury’s role in halting the advance of the Atlantic Ocean and salvaging Victoria Island and Ikoyi, urging more support for the future in “doing the impossible” in building Nigeria’s infrastructure.

“I said that we would do it, and we did. We averted a disaster greater than a tsunami in Victoria Island and Ikoyi,” he added.

The President appealed to Nigerians to be more patient with the government.

“I want to appeal to all Nigerians that hope is here. Our economy is recovering,” he said, highlighting the stability of the foreign exchange and the reduction in food prices.

President Tinubu thanked the minister of works, contractors, and Nigerians, particularly those in Lagos, for supporting the projects and urged them to protect and maintain them for posterity.

“It is with great pleasure, pride and a sense of fulfilment that I stand here today to commission the completed part of the Lagos – Calabar Coastal Highway Corridor.

“This is Phase I: Section I: Ahmadu Bello Way to Eleko Village Area in the Lekki Peninsula, a section of the 700km iconic project spanning the coastal areas of Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Edo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa-Ibom and Cross River States.

“Let me appreciate the Honourable Minister of Works, Sen. Engr. (Dr) Nweze David Umahi, the Honourable Minister of State Works, Rt. Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, the Permanent Secretary, Engr. Funso Adebiyi and all staff of the Federal Ministry of Works that made today’s commissioning possible. I thank you all for your commitment to this project.