President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has flagged off the 65-kilometre Akwa Ibom section of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, marking a major milestone in one of Nigeria’s most ambitious infrastructure projects.
He appeals to host communities to cooperate with the federal government and the contractor to ensure timely completion of the project so that they can reap the full benefits of the project.
The ceremony, which took place in Nsit Atai Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State saw Tinubu represented by the state’s Governor, Pastor Umo Eno. In his remarks, Governor Eno conveyed the president’s vision, emphasizing the transformative economic potential of the project for Akwa Ibom and the nation as a whole.
According to Tinubu, the highway aligns with his Renewed Hope Agenda, and when completed, will significantly enhance interconnectivity, facilitate trade, and foster national unity.
He disclosed that the current focus is on sections 3A and 3B of the project, which link Akwa Ibom and Cross River States, adding that the economic benefits to both states are immense.
Speaking in his capacity as governor of Akwa Ibom state, Eno expressed gratitude to the president for including Akwa Ibom as a beneficiary of the landmark project. He pledged full support from the state government to ensure its successful execution.
The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, praises Tinubu for fostering unity and equity across Nigeria through infrastructure development.
Umahi further reveals that, following complaints from Governors Eno and Bassey Otu of Cross River over the deplorable condition of the Calabar-Itu Road, President Tinubu had directed construction giant HITECH to mobilize to site immediately.
He assures residents that the long-neglected Calabar-Itu road would become motorable within the next two months.
The member representing Uyo Federal Constituency, in the house of Representatives, Mark Eset assured of necessary support to ensure timely completion of the project.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is envisioned as a transformative piece of infrastructure, stretching across several coastal states, and opening up new economic corridors along Nigeria’s southern coast.
