On Friday, the federal government temporarily opened the 47.47-kilometre Section One, Phase One of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, calling the project a game changer.
The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, inaugurated the section on behalf of President Bola Tinubu in Lagos.
Stretching 750 kilometres, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway begins at Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island in Lagos State, and concludes in Cross River, passing through several states including Ogun, Ondo, Delta, and Bayelsa.
Mr Umahi stated at the inauguration that this opening marked the realisation of a 27-year dream.
He mentioned that Mr Tinubu had previously opened a portion of the section on May 26, describing it as a significant advancement in implementing a nationally strategic project.
The minister highlighted that the highway features a reinforced concrete pavement and closed-circuit television cameras, among other amenities.
He emphasised that the highway would connect the western and southeastern regions of Nigeria, enhancing cross-country connectivity and trade relations.
Mr Umahi reiterated that it would create millions of jobs, reduce travel time, and stimulate economic growth.
He noted that the Tinubu administration had embarked on various legacy projects across the country to further Nigeria’s development.
Earlier, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu praised Mr Tinubu for his efforts in infrastructure development, represented by the state Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi.
He stressed that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway would reduce travel time along the corridor and boost the economic prosperity of citizens.
“It is also designed to connect rural areas to urban markets and key economic zones such as the Lekki Free Trade Zone.
“With improved connectivity and reduced travel times, businesses will operate more efficiently, allowing individuals to focus more on their work.
“This will lead to increased productivity and economic growth,” Mr Sanwo-Olu stated.
He characterised the highway project as one of the most ambitious infrastructure endeavours since Nigeria’s independence.
He thanked the minister for delivering the section and temporarily opening it for use, as promised, to alleviate the issues associated with road traffic congestion.
Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, the Oniru (traditional ruler) of Iruland, expressed gratitude to the federal government for the opening.
He noted that the project is a significant milestone in national development and a testament to Mr Tinubu’s effective leadership.
The royal father remarked that the highway would enhance mobility and positively impact tourism, agriculture, and other sectors.
He added that the temporary opening would ease movement and reduce congestion for millions of road users during the festive season.
“This is a welcome relief for commuters who have faced pressure on other major roads.
“With this opening, the prospect of a more convenient festive season is assured,” he said.
He further noted that Dany Abboud, the managing director of Hitech Construction Company, the contractor for the project, indicated that the entire 106-kilometre stretch of Sections One and Two of the coastal highway would be completed by December 2026.
The traditional ruler, whose Iru Kingdom hosts the starting point of the highway project, pledged ongoing cooperation with the federal government to ensure successful completion.
He commended Mr Umahi, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, and the project team for their dedication, assuring them of the support of traditional institutions along the corridor.
(NAN)
