President Bola Tinubu has flagged off the construction of the 700km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, saying the project would revolutionise transportation in Nigeria and bolster the unique economic strength of each zone.

Speaking in Lagos on Sunday, May 26, 2024, Tinubu said the project which will 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.

Starting from Lagos and terminating in Cross River State, the coastal highway will include a spur to the north-central part of the country.

From Victoria Island, 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.

He also 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).

The president, who is in Lagos to inaugurate and flag off projects as part of activities marking his administration’s first anniversary, also performed the virtual flag-off of the reconstruction and rehabilitation of 330 roads and bridges across the six geo-political zones of the nation.

FG begins construction on Lagos-Calabar coastal highway sections 3, 4

President Tinubu commended Minister of Works David Umahi for being diligent and for his efforts towards the qualitative execution of the strategic coastal highway project.

Tinubu 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.

He said: “Today is my day to boast. The deal is done. The dream is realisable. 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.”

Tinubu added that the project will ensure that future generations have a good landmark and memory to treasure while serving as a good precedent set for others to follow in the timely provision of world-class infrastructure.

Listing the benefits and opportunities to be created by the construction of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway, President Tinubu said it would provide direct employment for thousands of people and indirect jobs for tens of thousands.

He added that it would open economic opportunities for millions of people, fast-track economic development, provide 30 million people with improved access to production and marketing centres, and facilitate the free movement of people.

Tinubu 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.

Also speaking at the event, Umahi disclosed that over 40 new projects are ongoing across the country and that all compensations up to kilometre six of the Lagos-Calabar project have been paid.

The Star