President Bola Tinubu’s upcoming working visit to Lagos promises a flurry of activities centered around infrastructure development and regional cooperation. The visit, scheduled to commence on Tuesday and extend through Saturday, May 31st, will see the President inaugurate key projects, participate in the golden jubilee celebrations of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and observe Eid-el-Kabir prayers. The trip underscores Tinubu’s commitment to bolstering Nigeria’s infrastructure and strengthening its role within the West African regional bloc.
One of the highlights of the President’s visit will be the inauguration of Section I of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, a flagship infrastructure project of his administration. This crucial highway is envisioned to improve connectivity and facilitate trade along Nigeria’s coastline, boosting economic activity and regional integration. Alongside this, the President will inaugurate the Lekki Deep Sea Port Tax Credit Concrete Road, further enhancing logistical capabilities and supporting economic growth. The visit will also witness the flag-off of Section II of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the 7th Axial Road, signaling the continued momentum in infrastructure development.
In a move to demonstrate a nationwide focus on infrastructure improvement, President Tinubu will virtually inaugurate several vital road projects across northern Nigeria. These projects include the Kano-Kanwar-Danja-Hadejiya Section II Road, Yakasai-Zalli Road, and the Kano Northern By-pass. Additionally, key road sections like the Zaria-Hunkuyi-Dabai Section I, Dabai-Kafur-Malumfashi, and Malumfashi-Dayi-Yashe-Gidan Mutum Daya Section III will also be virtually inaugurated, underscoring the administration’s commitment to bridging infrastructural gaps and promoting connectivity across the country.
A significant portion of President Tinubu’s Lagos visit will be dedicated to the 50th anniversary celebrations of ECOWAS. As the current chair of the regional bloc, President Tinubu is playing a crucial role in shaping its future direction. The golden jubilee celebrations, which were initially flagged off in Accra in April 2025, continue in Lagos with a series of commemorative events. These events include a symbolic reenactment of the 1975 declaration at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Victoria Island, harking back to the founding principles of the organization.
At the Eko Hotels and Suites, President Tinubu will deliver a keynote address, reflecting on ECOWAS’s achievements over the past five decades and outlining his vision for its future. The event will be graced by General Yakubu Gowon (retd.), the only surviving Head of State who signed the 1975 declaration, who will deliver a commemorative speech, adding historical weight to the occasion. Dr. Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, will set the stage with a welcome address. A comprehensive review of ECOWAS’s 50-year journey will be led by renowned diplomat and former Minister of External Affairs, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, followed by expert panel discussions at the NIIA, providing a platform for in-depth analysis of the bloc’s progress and challenges.
The celebrations will provide an opportunity for reflection on ECOWAS’s evolution and its role in fostering regional peace, security, and economic development. The discussions will likely focus on key challenges facing the bloc, including political instability, security threats, and the need for deeper economic integration. President Tinubu’s leadership will be crucial in navigating these challenges and shaping ECOWAS into a more robust and effective organization capable of addressing the complex issues facing the region.
Prior to returning to Abuja, President Tinubu will observe Eid-el-Kabir prayers at the State House, Dodan Barracks. This gesture reflects the President’s engagement with religious and cultural events, demonstrating his commitment to inclusivity and national unity. The visit to Lagos encompasses a multi-faceted agenda, showcasing the President’s dedication to infrastructure development, regional cooperation, and national unity. The inauguration of key projects, the participation in ECOWAS celebrations, and the observance of religious obligations underscore President Tinubu’s engagement across diverse sectors crucial to Nigeria’s progress.
