By Blessing Chinagorom
Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured that Lagos-Calabar Coastal highway will open economic opportunities for millions of people, fast-track economic development, provide over 30 million people with improved access to production and marketing centres, even as it will facilitate the free movement of people.
Tinubu spoke in Lagos on Sunday, when flagging off the construction of the 700km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway at the end of Victoria Island, stating that the project would revolutionize transportation in Nigeria and bolster the unique economic strength of each zone.
Starting from Lagos and terminating in Cross River State, the coastal highway will include a spur to the north-central part of the country, traverse nine states along Nigeria’s coastal shoreline while linking the A1, A2, A3, and A4 highway corridors vertically crossing the western, central and eastern regions of the country, north to south.
The President while listing the benefits and opportunities to be created by this 700km road construction, said it would provide direct employment for thousands of people and indirect jobs for tens of thousands.
He said the project will also complement the expansion of the country’s maritime industry in the wake of the recent decision by the United Nations to grant Nigeria an extension of its continental shelf by an additional 16,300 square kilometres.
“We must take advantage of these opportunities,” the President said, adding that the establishment of more export processing zones along the coastal states must be a priority for the country.
“Today is my day to boast. The deal is done. The dream is realizable. The determination to build a nation of prosperity is possible. We said we would build this road, and we are determined to do it.
“Do not be afraid. We will do this road, and it will be a success for Nigeria, and we will do even more of this,” the President said.
”We have a road that will outlive all of us here. That is how to build the future. This project is more than a mere road. It is a symbol of hope, unity, and prosperity.
”It will connect communities, bring prosperity to people, and create opportunities for millions of our people. For our nation to excel, we just have to be bold and courageous in our endeavours,” the President said.
President Tinubu also performed the virtual flag-off of the design and procurement for the 1,000km Sokoto-Badagry Highway, which is expected to connect Sokoto to Badagry in Lagos State, passing through Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, and Oyo States.
In addition, the President virtually flagged off the design and procurement for the 461km Enugu-Abakaliki-Ogoja Road, which will traverse Benue, Kogi, and Nasarawa States, terminating at Apo in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Tinubu commended the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, for being diligent and for his efforts towards the qualitative execution of the strategic coastal highway project.
Also applauded the Chairman of Hitech Construction Company, Ambassador Gilbert Chagoury, and Engr. Ronald Chagoury, whose company is handling the project, for being worthy stakeholders and for believing in the future of Nigeria.
“Together, we worked to tame the Atlantic, and we turned a disaster into a great asset of value. We lost weight and took insults, but eventually, we tamed the Atlantic.
“We achieved our goals,” the President said, recounting how the indigenous company successfully executed a project to prevent the Atlantic Ocean from encroaching on critical sections of the Lagos shoreline.
The President, who is in Lagos to inaugurate and flag off projects as part of the activities marking his administration’s first anniversary, performed virtual flag-off of reconstruction and rehabilitation of 330 roads and bridges across the six geo-political zones of the nation.
Works Minister, Engr. Umahi earlier announced that the President had directed that sections 3 and 4 of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project should commence from Akwa Ibom and Cross River States, respectively.
While emphasizing that the due process was followed in awarding the contract for this transformative project, he described the President as a visionary and courageous leader.
Engr. Umahi disclosed that over 40 new projects are ongoing across the country and that all compensations up to kilometre 6 of the Lagos-Calabar project have been paid.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu who witnessed the President flag off the 700km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway said the project is a testament to President Tinubu’s commitment to developing world-class transportation systems.
Sanwo-Olu commended the Works Minister, Hon. Engr. David Umahi for his dedication to these transformative projects, adding that together, the Federal Government and state govt are building a future of hope, unity, and prosperity for all Nigerians.
According to him, “This initiative has already created thousands of jobs, will boost tourism and enhance economic activities across our coastal states. These are not just roads that are being built; they are a legacy for future generations”, he said.