The Traffic

FEC Approves $651.7M Mega Highway to Connect Lekki Seaport with Southern and Northern Nigeria

By Achimi Muktar

In a bold move set to reshape Nigeria’s economic and transport landscape, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a $651.7 million investment for the construction of the long-awaited 7th Axial Road—an infrastructure marvel designed to link the booming Lekki Deep Seaport directly to Nigeria’s southern and northern regions.

Minister of Works, David Umahi, made the announcement on Monday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, revealing that the 55-kilometre stretch (comprising 50km of dual carriageway and 5km of bridges) will serve as a crucial evacuation corridor for one of West Africa’s fastest-growing trade hubs.

“This road will serve as the lifeline for transporting goods from the Lekki Deep Seaport, including output from the Dangote Refinery and Fertilizer plant,” Umahi stated. “It connects Lekki through Epe to the Sagamu–Ore Expressway, effectively linking 17 southern states and giving access to the wider northern corridor.”

The Logistics Superhighway Nigeria Has Been Waiting For

The project, originally conceived during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, had sought financing from the China Exim Bank. Now revitalized under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, the 7th Axial Road is part of two strategic proposals pitched directly to Chinese President Xi Jinping in a high-level diplomatic effort to secure funding.

The second proposal—Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe Road—will similarly aim to boost national logistics efficiency and integration.

But the star of the show is clearly the 7th Axial Road, set to serve as the primary artery for Nigeria’s most ambitious industrial zone: the Lekki Free Trade Zone. Once completed, this highway is expected to dramatically reduce congestion at other Nigerian ports, slash logistics costs, and offer faster delivery routes for export and import goods.

Unlocking Billions in Trade Potential

Experts believe the road could unlock billions of dollars in trade and transform Lekki into Africa’s next economic nerve centre. With high-volume industrial activity in full swing—spearheaded by the Dangote Refinery—the corridor will serve not only oil and gas giants but also emerging export-driven manufacturers, agricultural distributors, and logistics companies.

The project is also a nod to Nigeria’s push for greater regional integration and economic diversification, with improved road access poised to stimulate trade, job creation, and infrastructure-driven development across multiple states.

A National Economic Boost in Motion

Industry watchers are already predicting ripple effects across key sectors—from transportation and logistics to manufacturing and agriculture. As the government works to turn the Lekki axis into a world-class trade ecosystem, the 7th Axial Road stands out as the infrastructural glue holding that vision together.

“This isn’t just a road project—it’s a strategic economic weapon,” said one senior analyst. “It has the potential to redefine Nigeria’s competitiveness in regional and global trade.”

Construction is expected to commence soon, with the government pushing for accelerated timelines and seamless project delivery.

With $651.7 million on the table and the backing of two administrations, Nigeria’s 7th Axial Road could very well be the key that unlocks a new era of economic momentum.