Akpevwe Okuse
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has emphasized the transformative benefits of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, calling it a project with benefits “more than imaginable.”
Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony at Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos, Tinubu highlighted the transformative impact of the 700km highway, stating that construction will commence simultaneously from both Lagos and the Cross River-Akwa Ibom end.
Tinubu expressed his optimism, describing himself as a “happy man” and the day as “my day of bragging.” He dismissed concerns about the project, emphasizing the hope and bright future it promises for Nigeria.
“This road is more than just a mere infrastructure project; it symbolizes hope, unity, and prosperity. It will connect communities, create opportunities, and bring development closer to the people,” he said.
“During the period of construction, the road will provide direct employment to thousands and indirect employment to tens of thousands of artisans,”
“Economic opportunities for millions are being opened. It will fast-track community development, bringing prosperity and improved access to production and marketing centers to 30 million people.” He added.
Tinubu highlighted the strategic importance of the road for free movement and its potential to spur further development, including the expansion of Nigeria’s maritime industry.
He urged the nation to capitalize on establishing more export processing zones along the coast following the UN recent grant to Nigeria, an extension of its continental shelf by 16,300 square kilometers.
The President also praised Hi-Tech Construction Company, led by Amb. Gilbert Chagoury and Engr. Ronald Chagoury, for their commitment to the Nigerian project. He recounted their past success in preventing the Atlantic Ocean from encroaching on the Lagos shoreline, turning a potential disaster into a valuable asset.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, representing the 10th National Assembly, pledged strong support for the coastal highway project, calling for an executive bill to amend the Procurement Act to ensure the speedy completion of projects, criticizing the current budgeting process as flawed and responsible for the abandonment of over 14,000 projects nationwide.
Akpabio also applauded Aliko Dangote for his enduring business capacity and continued investment in Nigeria, urging other industrialists to follow Dangote’s example.
Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, announced that sections 3 and 4 of the project will begin from Akwa Ibom and Cross River states. He confirmed that all compensations up to kilometer 6 have been paid and assured that due process was followed in awarding the contract. The first section of the project will be completed before the end of President Tinubu’s second year and will be tolled.
Oba Abdulwasiu Lawal, the Oniru of Iruland in Lagos State, assured the President of the community’s support and called for adequate compensation for those affected by the project.
The coastal road flag-off event was attended by governors, deputy governors, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, APC Chairman Dr. Umar Ganduje, ministers, National Assembly members, traditional rulers, and dignitaries. Many had also attended the inauguration of the reconstructed Apapa-Oworonshoki-Ojota Expressway and the rehabilitated Third Mainland Bridge.