Would you like to receive notifications on latest updates of the following headlines?

Tinubu Projects Coastal Highway to Boost 30 Million Businesses

POSTED ON May 27, 2024 •   Business      BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu l Credit: @officialABAT

The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has said the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway will give 30 million people improved access to production and marketing centres.

Tinubu disclosed this in his remarks on Sunday in Lagos during the flag-off of the 700km Lagos-Calabar highway project and several others to commemorate his first year in office.

“On the next 10 benefits of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway; during the period of construction, the road will provide direct employment for thousands of people, and indirect employment for tens of thousands of politicians and more. Economic opportunity for millions is being opened.

“It will fast-track the community’s development, It will bring development closer to the people, and give 30 million people improved access to production and marketing centres. You can easily predict a journey, vertically and go along the horizontal line and do the definition of free movement of people.”

In March, the Federal Government started constructing the highway, designed to extend through nine states with two spurs leading to the northern states.

The project, which necessitated the demolition of some buildings, faced significant criticism and interrogation from Nigerians and the National Assembly who believed the timing was inappropriate.

The Minister of Works, David Umahi,recently disclosed that 750 houses that are on the path of the Lagos-Calabal coast highway have been marked for demolition.

Umahi had earlier announced N2.75bn in compensation to property owners affected by the proposed demolition spanning from channel 0 to channel 3 on the mega highway.

However, relevant stakeholders have voiced complaints, arguing that the compensation did not match the investment made.

Responding to the criticism on Sunday, the president  appealed for the understanding of the general public, particularly those whose properties and means of livelihood would be affected by this landmark project.

He said, “I further crave the understanding of the general public, especially those whose properties and sources of livelihood will be impacted by this iconic project. We all make some sacrifices to enable our country to grow.

“However, be rest assured that this government is a compassionate government that cares for you and will do the utmost to offer succour, by way of compensation.”

He described the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as a symbol of hope, unity, and prosperity for Nigerians.

He said “This project is more than just a road – it is a symbol of hope, unity, and prosperity. It will connect our communities in nine states, foster trade and commerce, boost tourism, and create new opportunities for generations to come.

“A similar road in Ireland, called the Wild Atlantic Way, 2,600km long is expected to fetch 3bn euros a year in tourism revenues.

“I want to express my gratitude to the team of engineers, workers, and stakeholders who have worked tirelessly to bring us to this point. Your dedication and expertise are the driving force behind the take-off of this project.”

Tinubu emphasised the significance of safety, sustainability, and social responsibility, urging stakeholders to collaborate to ensure that this project benefits all and leaves a lasting legacy for future generations.

He stated “This is not only a legacy project of this administration but a dream come true that will connect some neglected towns and cities along the coastal route. Over time it has been noticed that both Tin Can Island and Apapa ports are becoming shallower thereby limiting the size of ships that can berth at those strategic ports.

“It is pertinent to note that the Lagos State Government in partnership with private investors developed Lekki Deep Sea Port which does not have a link road. It is however obvious that this development will open up businesses and investment along the project corridor.

“The potential of this road is enormous because it will have two spurs which will link up with Sokoto – Badagry Expressway which is under procurement and African Trade Route which connects South East to Cameroon thereby connecting every region of the country.”

Commending the Minister of Works, David Umahi, he noted that the government was waiting on private investors to bring their funds.

He stated “It is worthy to state that the model of EPC+F( Engineering, Procurement, and Construction Plus Finance) which the ministry is adopting is commendable. This sees the Federal Government investing while waiting for private investors to bring on board their counterpart funds.

“I commend the Honourable Minister of Works and the staff of the Ministry who are ensuring that the contractor delivers good quality work.”

Tinubu asserted that the 10-lane road project represented a crucial step in the government’s efforts to enhance connectivity, facilitate economic growth, and improve the quality of life for our people.

He added, “The project is more than a mere road, it is a symbol of hope, unity, and prosperity. It will connect our communities in nine states, foster trade and commerce, boost tourism, and create new opportunities for generations to come.

“To the glory of God and benefit of our people, it is my greatest pleasure to flag off this project and also virtually flag off the spurs about to be procured.

“I also flag off the massive rehabilitation of 330 roads and bridges across the nation. Let the construction begin.”

While commending the dignitaries, Tinubu said everyone wanted a good highway, but no one wanted the government to go through their backyard.

He said, “Everybody, they say, wants a good highway, but nobody wants you to go through their backyard.

“I thank you tremendously, the Chairman of HiTech, Gilbert Chagoury, and my partner, Engineer Roland. We walk together to take the Atlantic and turn a disaster into an asset of great value together.

“We lost weight, we took abuse, but we tamed the Atlantic, we achieved our goals. Here again, we are in it together, thank you, Roland, for being who you are.

‘A particular stakeholder, responsible corporate leader, Aliko Dangote, thank you for understanding your field and investment in Africa, and your incapacity to navigate the stormy water business. Yes, Nigeria is going through a patch, but we depend on you to continue doing this, so that other people will emulate and copy your example, thank you, Aliko.”

He said today was a brag day for him as the dream was fearlessly set on a journey determined to build a nation on prosperity and embark on bold endeavours.

“The dream is fearless-able, set on a journey, determined to build a nation of prosperity, embark on bold endeavours so that your country can be successful. Generations yet unborn can have a good landmark, a memory to treasure, and good understanding to copy, and a good education to promote the other generations.

“We said, we would do this road, and we are determined to do it. The way we are going, we have the rule that will outlast us, and have lived all of us here present, that is how to build the future.”

The 10-lane coastal road is intended to link Lagos to Cross River, passing through Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom states before ending in Cross River.

Umahi revealed that the road would be built using concrete pavement.

The government also established a committee tasked with the responsibilities of reviewing, assessing, and compensating landowners affected by the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Expressway.

Umahi said that the committee, comprising members drawn from the ministry, Lagos State, affected communities, and other stakeholders, had primary responsibilities that included verifying the eligibility of claimants, assessing the dimensions of affected properties, and determining the appropriate compensation amounts.

READ ALSO
German eye Nigeria's mineral wealth as foreign direct investments surge
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 3, 2025 0

Ongoing initiatives to draw in Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) seem to be bearing fruit, as certai...

READ ALSO
FG signs $174.6M agreement with UNIDO to enhance Nigeria's industry
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 3, 2025 0

The Federal Government and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) have enter...

READ ALSO
FG signals tough stance on underdeveloped Oilfields, calls for strategic IOC investments
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 2, 2025 0

The Federal Government expressed its worries on Tuesday about the growing number of idle and underde...

READ ALSO
Fuel prices expect to fall below N750 by Year-End - NIPSS
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 2, 2025 0

The National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) has said that with Dangote Refinery...

READ ALSO
CBN's strategic policies lead to significant increase in Nigeria's Net FX reserves
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 2, 2025 0

Nigeria's net foreign exchange reserves (NFER) stood at $23.11 billion at the conclusion of the prev...

READ ALSO
NSIA reports ₦3.74Trn profit, celebrating 12 years of continuous profitability
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 1, 2025 0

ABUJA, Nigeria - THE Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) reported generating approximately...

READ ALSO
Insurance leaders advocate for AfCFTA adoption to drive economic progress
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara March 21, 2025 0

Stakeholders within the insurance sector have urged operators to capitalize on the African Continent...

READ ALSO
Nigeria's Debt Soars: To exceed N155 Trillion by 2025 amidst economic strain
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara March 21, 2025 0

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has indicated that many countries, p...

OUR CHANNELS:

Ogun police respond to rising attacks at Sagamu interchange
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 5, 2025 0

There are worries regarding the attacks and killings by hoodlums targeting commuters traveling to Ab...


Rwanda match takes precedence as Super Eagles eye world cup qualification
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 5, 2025 0

Super Eagles Coach, Eric Chelle, has indicated that his team will place greater emphasis on the upco...


LASU celebrates 28th convocation with Over 11,000 graduates, honors distinguished Nigerians
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 3, 2025 0

LAGOS, Nigeria - Lagos State University (LASU) announced on Thursday that it will be graduating no l...


Federal high court orders forfeiture of $20,000 from traveler for customs violation
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 3, 2025 0

LAGOS, Nigeria - A Federal High Court in Lagos has mandated the forfeiture of $20,000 seized by the...


German eye Nigeria's mineral wealth as foreign direct investments surge
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 5, 2025 0

Ongoing initiatives to draw in Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) seem to be bearing fruit, as certai...


Lagos faces severe traffic chaos as Independence Bridge repairs begin after Sallah holiday
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 3, 2025 0

LAGOS, NIGERIA - Lagos residents faced a challenging situation yesterday as they returned to work fo...


FG signs $174.6M agreement with UNIDO to enhance Nigeria's industry
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 3, 2025 0

The Federal Government and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) have enter...


U.S. shows highest anxiety over AI Job loss amidst technological advancements
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 3, 2025 0

Despite its advanced status, research indicates that the United States of America (USA) has the high...


Bayelsa communities threaten to halt oil production over security contract dispute
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 3, 2025 0

BAYELSA, Nigeria - Nigeria’s struggling oil output may be on the brink of another crisis as co...


NITDA Partners Afrovision technologies to bridge job gap for Nigeria’s Tech Talent
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 3, 2025 0

In an effort to tackle the ongoing challenge of job placement for Nigeria’s expanding tech tal...


More Articles

Load more...

Menu