Eko Hot Blog reports that President Bola Tinubu, on Sunday in Lagos State, flagged off the construction of the 700km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
He stated that the project would revolutionize transportation in Nigeria and bolster the unique economic strength of each zone.
According to a statement issued by Ajuri Ngelale, the president’s spokesperson, he spoke from the Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island end of the project.
The project is expected to traverse nine states along Nigeria’s coastal shoreline while linking the A1, A2, A3, and A4 highway corridors vertically crossing the western, central and eastern regions of the country, north to south.
Starting from Lagos and terminating in Cross River State, the coastal highway will include a spur to the north-central part of the country.
From Victoria Island, Tinubu also performed the virtual flag-off of the design and procurement for the 1,000km Sokoto-Badagry Highway, which is expected to connect Sokoto to Badagry in Lagos State, passing through Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, and Oyo States.
In addition, he virtually flagged off the design and procurement for the 461km Enugu-Abakaliki-Ogoja Road, which will traverse Benue, Kogi, and Nasarawa States, terminating at Apo in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The President, who is in Lagos to inaugurate and flag off projects as part of activities marking his administration’s first anniversary, also performed the virtual flag-off of the reconstruction and rehabilitation of 330 roads and bridges across the six geo-political zones of the nation.
“Do not be afraid. We will do this road, and it will be a success for Nigeria, and we will do even more of this,” Tinubu said, referring to the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway.
He said the project will ensure that future generations have a good landmark and memory to treasure while serving as a good precedent set for others to follow in the timely provision of world-class infrastructure.
”We have a road that will outlive all of us here. That is how to build the future. This project is more than a mere road. It is a symbol of hope, unity, and prosperity.
”It will connect communities, bring prosperity to people, and create opportunities for millions of our people. For our nation to excel, we just have to be bold and courageous in our endeavours,” the President said.
Listing the benefits and opportunities to be created by the construction of the 700km road, Tinubu said it would provide direct employment for thousands of people and indirect jobs for tens of thousands.
He also stated that it would open economic opportunities for millions of people, fast-track economic development, and provide 30 million people with improved access to production and marketing centres, even as it will facilitate the free movement of people.
The president added that the project will also complement the expansion of the country’s maritime industry in the wake of the recent decision by the United Nations to grant Nigeria an extension of its continental shelf by an additional 16,300 square kilometres.
On his part, Engr. Umahi disclosed that over 40 new projects are ongoing across the country and that all compensations up to kilometre 6 of the Lagos-Calabar project have been paid.
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