Nigeria: The Government of Nigeria commenced the construction of Sections 3A and 3B of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. It is a 65km stretch located in Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State. The inauguration was led by Minister of Works – Chief Dave Umahi.
At the inauguration of the highway, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was represented by the Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State at the Monday ceremony in Calabar, that described the road as an economic catalyst that will boost the job creation, regional integration and support small businesses through access to loans and incentives. He said that this project is a part of efforts to make Nigeria economically self-reliant.
The federation has officially flagged off the Cross River segment of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. The landmark infrastructure project aims at linking the South-South and South-East regions with enhanced connectivity and economic potential.
Governor Otu further explained the highway as a transformative initiative that is poised to serve as an economic enabler, job creation driver and a great platform for cultural integration across the coastal belt of Nigeria.
Considering this Otu stated, “I am pleased and privileged to witness this historic flag-off of the Calabar section of the ambitious Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, that was initiated under the leadership of our indefatigable President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
This construction highlighted the strategic importance of the project, as Otu noted that the highway re-affirms the Cross River State’s role as a key hub for agriculture and multimodal transport – spanning land, air and sea.
Otu further added that for Cross Riverians, this is not just an enduring road infrastructure, it is a major catalyst for economic expansion. According to him, with the recent ground-breaking of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone in the state, the highway will offer seamless evacuation routes for agricultural production by boosting access to markets both locally and internationally.
Governor Otu called on the people of Cross River to seize the economic opportunities, as the highway presents, particularly in the nano, small and medium enterprise space, pledging that the state would ensure an enabling environment for entrepreneurship to flourish more.
Minister of Works – David Umahi reiterated the commitment made by the Federal Government to complete the project within a few years and emphasised its alignment with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Umahi said that the road is more than a transportation route as it is a transformative investment for economic growth and sustainable development. The highway will function as a strategic evacuation corridor, reduce congestion and bolster the infrastructure network of the country.
He responded to the criticism over the cost and execution of the project and expressed, “I welcome open debate from anyone who questions the project cost-effectiveness or value. I take full responsibility for the costing, alignment and selection of contractors. Leave the President out of it, as we will deliver this road in record time.”
Also speaking at the event, the Federal Controller of Works in Cross River State, Olayinka Onafuye that commenced President Tinubu for initiating the highway and promised strict supervision to ensure adherence to standards and specifications throughout the implementation of the project.