The Nigerian Government commenced the construction of Section 3A of the proposed 750 km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway to enhance connectivity amongst southern Nigeria States and increase investments on Monday.
The ceremony, which was performed at Awi, Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State, where Section 3A, measuring 65 km, links Section 3B in Akwa Ibom State, southern Nigeria.
President Bola Tinubu represented by Cross River Governor, Senator Bassey Otu said that the 3-lane dual carriageway project would resuscitate the economy of Cross River State and other states within the region, as well as boost transatlantic trade and enhance transportation.
Tinubu stated that “The project is an economic enabler, job creation booster, intra and interregional integration link, facilitator of cultural exchange, and all other verticals that are involved with it.
“With the recent groundbreaking ceremony of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing zone, the products from this zone will have seamless evacuation corridors to reach the teeming consumers within and outside the shores of the country,” he said.
He urged the people of Cross River State, especially the locals within the Akamkpa and Odukpani corridors, to reawaken their entrepreneurial spirit and take advantage of the opportunities.
The President promised that in line with his Renewed Hope Agenda, the government would continue to support businesses by creating the enabling environment as well as ensure Nigeria attains self-sufficiency in terms of food security and road infrastructure.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Works, David Umahi lauded the vision of President Tinubu, describing the coastal highway as a legacy project that will significantly improve road infrastructure, ease transportation, and promote national unity.
He commended Governor Otu for his consistent support and commitment to the development agenda of the Federal Government.
“This project is innovative and historic. It is only a leader like President Tinubu, who could envision this 27 years ago and now bring it to life. The highway is more than a road; it is a corridor for economic growth, national integration, and environmental renewal,” Umahi said.
The minister assured the host communities and stakeholders of the Federal Government’s commitment to delivering the project on time.
He called for cooperation from local residents to ensure smooth execution, emphasizing the need to support contractors and avoid unnecessary delays.
Minister Umahi further reiterated that the Federal Government is fully committed to completing the entire 750km highway, noting that all sections are being pursued concurrently, with priority given to engineering quality and cost-effectiveness.
He concluded by thanking all stakeholders and reaffirming that “this is not just a road, but a gateway to prosperity for Nigeria.”
In his remarks, Governor Bassey Otu, commended President Tinubu and the Federal Ministry of Works for selecting Cross River State as a starting point of the Calabar section. He noted that the coastal highway would reawaken the economic potential of the state, referencing Calabar’s historical position as a trading hub in West Africa.
“For us, this highway is not just about transportation. It will boost agriculture, tourism, trade, and industrialization. With the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone now in place, this road will provide easy access for goods to reach markets across the country and beyond,” Otu said.
He urged residents of Cross River to take full advantage of the business opportunities that will arise from the highway project and pledged that his administration will continue to support small and medium-sized enterprises through grants, loans, and capacity-building programs.
Engr. Olayinka Onafuye, the Federal Controller of Works in Cross River State, in an interview with Newsmen shortly after the flag off, reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that the project meets the standards and specifications set by the Ministry of Works.
He emphasized the importance of collaboration with host communities in Akamkpa and Odukpani LGAs for a smooth project delivery.
The Managing Director of HITECH Construction Company Ltd, Danny Abboud , stated that the road will pass through several Cross River communities including Awi, Njahasang, Oduyama, Ikot Okon Akiba, Obot Ekpo, Afan Okoyong, Ekemkpon, Mkpara Otop, Kaifa, Nduoduo, Oboroko, Esuk Ekom, Nkita, and Ekong Atan Oku, before connecting to Akwa Ibom via the Calabar River Bridge.
He stated that the road, constructed with continuously reinforced concrete pavement, will serve as a key evacuation corridor, reduce congestion, and align with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The highway is expected to open up rural areas, attract investments, and support sustainable development.
