Posted by President Bola Tinubu has hailed the controversial Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project as a beacon of hope, unity, and prosperity for the nation.
The 700-kilometer coastal road between Lagos and Calabar will connect the two cities and eventually lead to Cross River after passing through the states of Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom.
Many Nigerians feel the timing is wrong for the project, which required the demolition of certain buildings, and have voiced their strong opposition.
Tinubu, on the other hand, claimed he yearned for public comprehension, particularly among individuals whose homes and livelihoods will be damaged or eliminated by this landmark initiative.
Those who would suffer as a result of the building project were pleaded with by him to “be rest assured: this government is a compassionate government that cares for you and will do the utmost to offer succor, by way of compensation,” as he said, so that our nation may expand.
Nonetheless, the initiative is in the country’s best interest, according to Works Minister Dave Umahi.
“We gather to mark a significant milestone in our journey towards progress and development,” Tinubu remarked before launching the project during the event. Launching this 10-lane road project, which spans 700 km, is an important milestone in our pursuit of better connectivity, more economic growth, and higher living standards for our people.
A road is simply one part of this project; the others represent unity, hope, and prosperity. It will provide new opportunities for future generations, link our communities across nine states, encourage trade and business, increase tourism, and more.
“With 2,600 kilometers of its own, the Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland is projected to bring in three billion euros annually from tourists.”
The President wanted to thank everyone who has worked so hard to get us here, including the engineers, employees, and stakeholders. This initiative would not have taken off without your commitment and knowledge.
He hammered home the point that they needed to be socially responsible, environmentally conscious, and safety conscious.
So that our children and grandkids can enjoy the fruits of our labor, let us join forces to make this endeavor a success.
In addition to being an accomplishment of this administration’s legacy, this project will finally link several underserved coastal communities and cities.
The important ports of Tin Can Island and Apapa have been seen to be getting shallower over time, which is reducing the size of ships that can berth there. It should be mentioned that the Lekki Deep Sea Port, which was built by the Lagos state government and private investors, does not have a connecting road. Nonetheless, it’s clear that the project corridor will attract firms and investment opportunities as a result of its development.
Two of the road’s spurs will connect to the Sokoto–Badagry Expressway, which is now in the procurement phase, and the African Trade Route, which runs from the southeast to Cameroon, thus linking the entire country. This bodes well for the road’s vast potential.
We should praise the ministry for its EPC+F (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction Plus Finance) model. Here, the federal government puts money in while private investors chip in with matching cash.
In addition, I fervently want for the public’s comprehension, particularly among individuals whose livelihoods and property will be affected by this landmark initiative. For our nation to prosper, we must all be willing to give a little. Rest assured, though; this administration is kind and concerned, and it will do all in its power to compensate you for your hardship.
It is with great joy that I electronically launch this initiative and announce the impending acquisition of spurs for the benefit of our people and the glory of God. Along with that, I am cutting the ribbon on the nationwide restoration of three hundred and thirty highways and bridges.