President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially inaugurated the 37-kilometre Lekki Deep Sea Port Access Road, a major infrastructure link that connects the Dangote Refinery and Fertiliser Plant to Eleko Junction in Lagos State. The road, constructed with reinforced concrete to withstand heavy industrial traffic, is part of a broader infrastructure initiative financed by Dangote Industries Limited through the Federal Government’s tax credit scheme.
The high-profile commissioning event, held on Thursday, brought together several top political and business leaders including governors, federal ministers, and captains of industry like Aliko Dangote, Abdul Samad Rabiu, Femi Otedola, and Jim Ovia.
A Strategic Industrial Corridor
The newly commissioned road segment represents a vital artery in Nigeria’s logistics network. It forms part of a continuous corridor stretching from the Lekki Deep Sea Port through Epe to the Sagamu–Benin Expressway, ultimately linking up with southwestern and central Nigeria. The access road aims to streamline the movement of goods between the massive industrial facilities on the Lekki Free Trade Zone axis and major economic hubs across the country.
President Tinubu, while speaking at the event, praised the quality and scale of the project, describing it as a testament to the success of the federal tax credit infrastructure model.
“I’m delighted to be here today to commission another landmark project, the Lekki Deep Sea Port Access Road and the bridges,” Tinubu said. “I commend the quality of the access road done by Dangote Industries Limited on a tax-credit basis. This program is working, and thanks to Hi-Tech Construction Company for delivering quality.”
Powered by the Tax Credit Scheme
The Federal Executive Council had previously approved ₦158 billion in tax credits for the project in September 2024. This model allows private companies to finance infrastructure projects upfront and recoup their investment through future tax deductions. Dangote Industries remains the largest beneficiary of this scheme, with nine major infrastructure projects under its belt — significantly outpacing other corporate participants such as BUA Group and MTN Nigeria.
This collaboration between the government and the private sector underscores the administration’s push to bridge Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit through innovative financing mechanisms. In his remarks, Tinubu said the success of the Dangote-backed access road project signals the credibility of the tax credit policy in expediting the delivery of long-overdue infrastructure.
“It is a pleasure to commission this road. This access road is more than just concrete and bridges — it is a foundation for Nigeria’s industrial future,” he declared.
Industry Leaders Applaud Collaboration
Aliko Dangote, whose company led the financing and development of the access road, also lauded the tax credit scheme, stating that public-private partnerships remain vital for Nigeria’s economic transformation.
“We are proud to contribute to the nation’s development. The access road is a critical step in creating a seamless industrial corridor that supports our refinery, fertiliser, and petrochemical operations,” Dangote said.
Progress on Other Major Projects
During the event, President Tinubu used the opportunity to provide updates on his administration’s broader infrastructure development agenda. He shared key milestones and directed accelerated work on several priority projects.
1. Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway
Tinubu announced that construction on Section 2 of the 700-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is moving swiftly, with over 10 kilometres of the 65-kilometre section already completed. He confirmed that active work is ongoing on the segments crossing Cross River and Akwa Ibom, and directed that more sections be designed and procured without delay.
2. Trans-Saharan Trade Road
He described the Trans-Saharan Trade Road project as a “visionary investment” in national connectivity. This road will link Calabar to Abuja, passing through Ebonyi, Benue, Kogi, and Nasarawa states. According to Tinubu, this road will play a pivotal role in facilitating domestic trade and positioning Nigeria as a dominant player in regional commerce.
3. Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe Corridor
The President also announced the commencement of accelerated design work on the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe corridor, another key transport link connecting North-Central to the Northeast. He emphasized that the project must move swiftly to the procurement phase and warned project handlers against delays or changes in project scope.
“No more rescoping. Just do the job,” Tinubu stated emphatically, underlining his administration’s zero-tolerance policy for bureaucratic inertia.
Significance for Nigeria’s Industrial and Economic Future
The completion of the Lekki Deep Sea Port Access Road marks a major leap forward in the development of Nigeria’s industrial infrastructure. Situated near the Dangote Refinery, which is expected to be one of the largest in the world upon full operation, the road enhances the logistics capability of the Lagos Free Zone and facilitates smoother cargo movement from the Lekki Port, Nigeria’s first deep-sea port.
Experts predict the new corridor will improve supply chains, reduce transportation costs, and increase the competitiveness of Nigerian exports — particularly in the context of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Additionally, the project will provide thousands of direct and indirect jobs, enhance regional integration, and attract more foreign direct investment into Nigeria’s manufacturing and logistics sectors.
A Model for Future Infrastructure Development
By commissioning this project, the Tinubu administration hopes to set a precedent for using tax incentives and strategic partnerships to drive development. The President reiterated that with limited government resources, involving the private sector remains critical to achieving large-scale, sustainable infrastructure.
“What we see here today is what Nigeria can achieve when the public and private sectors collaborate effectively. We are committed to multiplying these success stories across the country,” Tinubu said.
Conclusion
The inauguration of the Lekki Port Access Road is not only a milestone for Lagos and the Dangote Group but also a symbol of what can be achieved when government policies enable private sector innovation. As Nigeria continues to grapple with infrastructure gaps, this project stands as a case study in effective collaboration, visionary planning, and decisive execution. With Tinubu pledging even faster implementation of other road and port projects, the administration appears determined to leave a lasting impact on Nigeria’s economic landscape.
