In a move towards enhancing Nigeria’s infrastructure, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu officially commissioned the first phase of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and several major road projects across the nation during a ceremony in Lagos on Saturday. The President reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to local content, technology transfer, and the empowerment of Nigerian citizens.
During the event, President Tinubu urged the Minister of Works, David Umahi, to ensure strict adherence to local content laws and the training of Nigerians involved in these projects. He reiterated that the government would not compensate developers who neglect legal building setbacks and approvals, underlining the importance of urban planning and adherence to the rule of law. “Developers who fail to get approvals will not be compensated,” he warned, emphasizing that compliance with published setbacks is now mandatory.
The President commended Engineer Ronald Chagoury for his efforts in mitigating the impacts of climate change in Victoria Island and Ikoyi and called for continued support for future infrastructure initiatives. He expressed optimism about Nigeria’s economic recovery, pointing out improvements in foreign exchange stability and food prices.
“I said that we would do it, and we did. We averted a disaster greater than a tsunami in Victoria Island and Ikoyi,” he stated, urging Nigerians to remain patient with the government’s initiatives.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, a vital project spanning 700 kilometers and traversing multiple states, represents a leap forward in Nigeria’s transportation network. President Tinubu highlighted the highway’s construction with Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement, ensuring durability as he congratulated Hitech Construction Company Limited for executing the project to world standards.
In addition to the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the President commissioned various road rehabilitation and construction projects across the South-South, South East, South West, North Central, North East, and North West zones. Notable projects include the rehabilitation of the Calabar-Ugep-Katsina-Ala Road and the dualisation of the East-West Road in Rivers State.
Furthermore, President Tinubu flagged off new projects, including the Ibadan-Ife-Ilesha-Akure-Benin Road and the dualisation of the Kano-Maiduguri Road, which aims to connect various states across the region.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio assured the President of ongoing support from the National Assembly to bolster Nigeria’s economic positioning. Minister of Works David Umahi noted that N18 billion was allocated in compensation to those affected by the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
Governors from various states, alongside industry leaders and prominent figures such as Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, attended the commissioning, marking a concerted effort towards infrastructure development in Nigeria.
As the ceremony concluded, President Tinubu urged all Nigerians to protect and maintain the newly commissioned infrastructure for future generations, reinforcing the government’s commitment to building a more resilient and sustainable economy.