By Mashe Umaru Gwamna
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has officially commissioned the completed 30-kilometre portion of the 40.7- kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Phase 1, Section I and several others.
He also flagged off the construction of new roads, in the southern region.
This was contained in a statement signed and issued by Director, Press and Public Relations Mohammad Abdullahi Ahmed.
Speaking at the commissioning, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, reflected on the bold giant strides made during his two years in office, under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Tinubu identified that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as a flagship project that encapsulates the commitment to infrastructure development as a driver of economic transformation.
He said despite initial skepticism, the project has become a beacon of progress, connecting nine coastal states of Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Edo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River.
“It is projected to contribute up to US$12 billion annually to Nigeria’s GDP within its first decade”.
The President emphasised that the project will ease transportation, reduce costs of travel and vehicle maintenance, as well as travel time, and drive growth across agriculture, industry, tourism, marine, and commerce while creating thousands of jobs and expanding opportunities for Nigerians.
He described the progress as clear evidence of purposeful leadership delivering tangible results.
Also speaking, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, praised the scope and significance of the project, describing the highway as a game-changer that not only connects nine littoral states but also unlocks vital trade and industrial corridors. He echoed the anticipated economic impact, reaffirming that the project will reduce transportation costs, shorten travel times, stimulate local economies, and create extensive employment opportunities for Nigerians.
He appreciated the President for the vision and leadership, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for its consideration and approval and the Minister of Finance for providing the counterpart funding.
