President Bola Tinubu on Saturday inaugurated the completed part of phase one, section one of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, measuring 30 kilometers. He warned estate developers against encroachment on the highway.
The coastal highway, which stretches 700 kilometres, traverses nine coastal states of Nigeria, beginning from Victoria Island in Lagos and terminating in Calabar, the Cross River State capital.
Though neck-deep in controversy over a lot of issues, especially its cost and environmental and social impact assessment, the coastal highway is said to have great economic growth potential. It is also said to benefit businesses and residents of the affected states, especially Lagos, through reduced travel time, trade and economic activities.
Bello Goronyo, the Minister of State for Works, at the inauguration, said the President is not only building infrastructure by the inauguration of some landmark projects, but also laying a solid foundation for a better future for all Nigerians.
Read also: Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway to be tolled from December – Umahi
Goronyo also said that Tinubu has tamed the Atlantic Ocean and turned the menace from it to greatness, through the project.
He said the President was not only focused on the 700km coastal highway project, but was also overseeing three other legacy projects.
He listed the projects to include the 1,068km Sokoto-Badagry Highway which passed through seven states.
“There are so many other projects all over the country, these are all projects that have the potential to unlock economic opportunities; some of our completed projects in the northern part of the country will soon be commissioned by the President,” he said.
Goronyo described Tinubu as a courageous president and one with foresight.
“It actually takes a man with courage, commitment and determination to pursue this legacy project; Mr President actually tamed the Atlantic Ocean and turned the menace from disgrace to greatness,” he said.
He said that many Nigerians were inspired by Tinubu’s bold vision and dedication to building a greater Nigeria for all.
The minister noted that infrastructure development nationwide required substantial investment, disclosing that N18 billion has been paid for compensation in the 1st phase of the project.
He prayed to God to continue to guide Tinubu and give him wisdom and courage to continue to pilot Nigeria’s affairs so that the citizens’ dream of a better Nigeria under the Renewed Hope Agenda could be achieved.
He thanked the Minister of Works, David Umahi, for bringing innovation, skills and experience in piloting the affairs of the ministry.
He also praised the contractor handling the coastal highway project, HiTech and Straco Construction Ltd for their commitment to delivering quality work and ensuring timely project execution.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Works, Akin Alabi, said that Tinubu conceived the coastal highway project many years ago.
He described Tinubu as a man who would not hesitate to take on challenges in a bid to achieve laudable goals.
“This project is not an easy one. As the chairman of the House Committee on Works, I led the committee twice on oversight to the project on official capacity.
“Three times, I came in the middle of the night, dead of the night, to do my own independent observations, and every time I came, I would send a message to the minister.
“I said: ‘Mr President, Mr Minister, Hitech, you are all performing magic’.”
