On Monday, the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Works, flagged off the construction of a 65km three-lane dual carriageway, part of the larger 750km Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project.
Sections 3A and 3B, situated in Cross River and Akwa Ibom states, will be built using a Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement under contract number 8784.
This coastal highway aims to connect Lagos to Cross River, traversing Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom states before reaching its final destination in Cross River.
It is intended to be a centre for economic activities in the region. The road will enhance connectivity across various communities in Cross River State, including Awi, Njahasang, Oduyama, Ikot Okon Akiba, Obot Ekpo, Afan Okoyong, Ekemkpon, Mkpara Otop, Kaifa, Nduoduo, Oboroko, Esuk Ekom, Nkita, and Ekong Atan Oku, ultimately linking to the Calabar River Bridge towards Akwa Ibom State.
During the flag-off, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Cross River State Governor Senator Bassey Otu, labelled the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway as a catalyst for economic growth, job creation, regional integration, and cultural exchange.
“Our role as a proactive government is to foster an environment conducive to the success of nano, small, and medium enterprises. Relevant agencies are ready to provide soft loans, grants, professional guidance, and other incentives to support business operations,” he noted.
He added, “In the near future, Nigeria will achieve full independence. Without food sufficiency and the ability to control our future, we risk becoming dependent on other economic powers. However, the initiatives we are implementing today will build a significant legacy aimed at improving the lives of Nigerians.”
The minister lauded President Tinubu for his dedication to infrastructure development, referring to him as a national hero.
“It takes someone like Asiwaju to transform a remote forest into a thriving city. I appreciate your support for the citizens of this country, as your commitment and reputation extend far beyond Cross River State.”
He remarked on inheriting a struggling economy but expressed optimism about recovery, stating, “We are past the worst of it and progressing towards prosperity, and this project is a key part of that journey.”
The minister urged local communities to collaborate with the contractor, Hi-Tech Construction Ltd, to ensure timely project completion.
Engineer Olayinka Onafuye, the Federal Controller of Works in Cross River State, reiterated his commitment to supervising Section 3A of the road, ensuring that it meets the Federal Ministry of Works’ standards.
“I am responsible for guaranteeing that the project adheres to the required specifications. I will work closely with the contractors and the two host communities, Akamkpa and Odukpani LGA, to ensure that the road is completed to a high standard,” he stated.
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