There are agitations for the simultaneous construction of both the Calabar end and Lagos axis of the ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal 10 lanes highway. This is premised on fears that the Calabar axis may be abandoned before the completion of the 8 years project NEGROIDHAVEN can report.
Construction has officially commenced on the highly anticipated Lagos-Calabar coastal superhighway, heralded as one of Africa’s most iconic infrastructure projects. The 700km, 5-lane apart dual carriageway, featuring a train track running through its middle, will traverse several coastal states in southern Nigeria, with two spurs extending to Northern Nigeria.
Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong Jnr. lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for embarking on this ambitious venture, emphasizing the project’s potential to stimulate economic growth. He urged for an expansion of phase 1 to include simultaneous construction from the Calabar axis, to expedite economic benefits for the Southern Senatorial District of Cross River State.
Ekpenyong’s remarks came during a courtesy visit to President Tinubu’s Lagos residence, where he, alongside the Senate President, Speaker, and members of the National Assembly, congratulated the President on the project’s commencement. He highlighted its significance in supporting the infrastructure revolution spearheaded by the Governor Bassey Otu-led administration in Cross River State.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Superhighway’s first phase spans 47.4km, beginning from Ahmadu Bello Way in Victoria Island, Lagos, and passing through strategic points such as the Lekki Deepsea Port, Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom, before culminating in Cross River State. The project, contracted to High Tech Construction Company, aims to integrate North and South Nigeria, facilitating the movement of goods and services.
Despite its transformative potential, the project has not been without controversies. The Lagos State Government has issued a demolition notice to Landmark Beach Resort Side, sparking concerns over land acquisition and environmental impact. The estimated cost of the project stands at N15 trillion.
With its scale and scope comparable to iconic coastal highways like the Pacific Coastal Highway in the US and the Wide Atlantic Highway in Ireland, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Superhighway promises to redefine transportation infrastructure in Nigeria, driving economic development and regional integration.
