President Bola Tinubu has officially flagged off the construction of the highly anticipated 700-kilometre Lagos/Calabar coastal highway, a project he described as a “flagship of the renewed hope agenda.”
The inauguration ceremony took place in the Victoria Island area of Lagos State on Sunday, drawing a significant gathering of top government officials.
Among the dignitaries present were the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and several state governors including Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, Hope Uzodimma of Imo, and Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara.
In his address, President Tinubu expressed confidence in the successful completion of the highway, heralding the event as his “bragging day.”
He emphasized the project’s potential to transform the socio-economic landscape by enhancing connectivity between communities and creating numerous job opportunities for Nigerians.
“This project is not just a road; it is a beacon of hope to all Nigerians. It will bring jobs, foster unity, and enhance the economic viability of our coastal regions,” President Tinubu stated.
However, the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project, which is estimated to cost N15 trillion, has not been without its critics. Opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, the Labour Party candidate in the 2023 presidential election, have voiced strong objections. Their criticisms center on alleged lack of transparency in the project’s awarding process, its substantial cost, and concerns over the potential demolition of structures along the proposed route.
In response to the backlash, the Federal Government adjusted the highway’s path to align with a previously gazetted route, aiming to avoid disruption to existing submarine cables and mitigate some of the raised concerns.
Despite the controversies, President Tinubu remained steadfast in his support for the project, asserting that the benefits far outweigh the criticisms. “This road will bridge the gap between our people, enhancing trade and mobility across states,” he said during the flag-off event.
The commencement of construction in March has seen mixed reactions from the public and political analysts alike. While some laud the project as a necessary infrastructural development that promises long-term economic benefits, others remain skeptical about its execution and financial implications.
Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, also addressed the gathering, highlighting the technical and economic significance of the highway. “This is more than just a road; it is an investment in the future of Nigeria, ensuring that our infrastructure keeps pace with our ambitions,” Umahi noted.
Governor Sanwo-Olu of Lagos expressed his administration’s support for the project, recognizing its potential to boost Lagos’ economy by easing the movement of goods and people along the coastal axis. Similarly, Governor Abiodun of Ogun and Governor Uzodimma of Imo commended the initiative, urging swift and transparent execution to meet the set timelines.
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