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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday overlooked Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu during the commissioning of the Lagos-Calabar highway.
This event marked the official launch of the first 30-kilometre stretch of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, which Tinubu referred to as a significant move towards economic transformation, national unity, and infrastructure legacy.
Notable attendees included Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, Finance Minister Wale Edun, and second-term governors such as Hope Uzodimma (Imo), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), and Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos).
As Tinubu entered the venue, he was seen greeting Akpabio, Edun, and other dignitaries but ignored Sanwo-Olu, who bowed to him.
During his speech, Tinubu urged Nigerians to be patient with his administration amid economic challenges.
He emphasized efforts to enhance healthcare infrastructure and lower drug production costs. "It's all about the people. We are providing all incentives to adhere to Nigeria First principles," he stated.
He acknowledged the high expectations and the challenging times faced by the populace, expressing hope for a better future.
Tinubu also noted signs of recovery, such as declining inflation, stabilized exchange rates, and reductions in corruption and subsidy abuses.
He encouraged parents to invest in their children's higher education, affirming that funds would be allocated for that purpose.
Additionally, he recognized the controversies related to the project’s route and the difficult choices involved.
He expressed pride in the initiative and praised the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, for his steadfast dedication.
Tinubu stressed the need for continued focus on local content and the importance of training Nigerian engineers for sustainable skills development.
He commended Hitech Construction Company for its role in executing the project, which employs continuously reinforced concrete pavement designed for long-lasting durability.
Minister of Works Dave Umahi clarified that the Federal Government did not destroy any property belonging to Landmark Africa during the highway's construction.
He announced that the President instructed governors in states with major Federal projects to allow a minimum of 500 metres from the edge of the carriageway as part of tolling arrangements.
By law, the Federal Government is not required to compensate for shanties along the road, but the President has directed that compensation be issued.
Umahi revealed that N18 billion has already been paid out in compensation for Phase 1 of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
