Nigeria’s Akwa Ibom beckons as a major tourism hub and business belt of the country following Federal Government’s decision to commence the construction of sections 3 and 4 of Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway in the state.
Akwa Ibom Governor, Pastor Umo Eno who broke the news during PDP stakeholders meeting held at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Uyo said the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, will perform the flag-off ceremony of the project in the state this weekend.
Eno who emphasised the essence of partnering critical stakeholders in the development of the state hailed the Federal Government for bringing the flag-off event to the state.
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According to him, the project would create employment opportunities for the teeming youths and boost tourism potentials in the state.
Though the Governor did not give details on the project execution, political analysts could see the Senate President, Mr. Godswill Akpabio’s collaborative effort in the flag-off event.
Straightnews believes that the completion of the major economic artery to pass through such coastal areas as Ikot Abasi, Eastern Obolo, Ibeno and Mbo Local Government Areas of the state to complement the ongoing Ibom Deep Seaport with the accessories- industrialization layout, hospital, schools and other socio-economic catalysts.
When Tinubu flags off the 700km Highway
Recall that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway re-entered public glare during the waning days of Goodluck Jonathan administration in November 2014.
Though the contract was awarded on August 4, 2021, by the Federal Executive Council presided over by former Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo, at $11.17 billion, President Bola Tinubu finetuned the project and re-awarded it to be completed in six years.
In a statement on April 7, 2024, Atiku Abubakar, former vice-president, estimated the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project could cost the federal government “N15.7 trillion” — putting the approximation of each kilometre being built at N22.5 billion.
President Bola Tinubu, had flagged off the construction of the 700km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway months ago, hoping the project would revolutionise transportation in Nigeria and bolster the unique economic strength of each zone.
The President spoke from the Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island end of the project, traversing 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.
President Tinubu commended the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, for being diligent and for his efforts towards the qualitative execution of the strategic coastal highway project.
He also applauded the Chairman of Hitech Construction Company, Ambassador Gilbert Chagoury, and Engr. Ronald Chagoury, whose company is handling the project, for being worthy stakeholders and for believing in the future of Nigeria.
“Together, we worked to tame the Atlantic, and we turned a disaster into a great asset of value. We lost weight and took insults, but eventually, we tamed the Atlantic. We achieved our goals,” the President said, recounting how the indigenous company successfully executed a project to prevent the Atlantic Ocean from encroaching on critical sections of the Lagos shoreline.
“Today is my day to boast. The deal is done. The dream is realizable. The determination to build a nation of prosperity is possible. We said we would build this road, and we are determined to do it.
President Tinubu 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.
‘‘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, President Tinubu said it would provide direct employment for thousands of people and indirect jobs for tens of thousands.
He added that it will open economic opportunities for millions of people, fast-track economic development provide 30 million people with improved access to production and marketing centres, even as it will facilitate the free movement of people.
He said 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.
“We must take advantage of these opportunities,” the President said, adding that the establishment of more export processing zones along the coastal states must be a priority for the country.
On his part, Engr. Umahi announced that the President had directed that sections 3 and 4 of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project should commence from Akwa Ibom and Cross River States, respectively.
