Calabar –The Federal Ministry of Works marked a significant milestone on Monday with the official flag-off ceremony for the construction of the 65km, 3-lane dual carriageway component of the 750km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. The event, held in Akamkpa Local Government Area (LGA) of Cross River State, was graced by President Bola Tinubu who was represented by Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, underscoring the project’s national importance NEGROIDHAVEN can report.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, a monumental infrastructure initiative, is designed to enhance connectivity and boost economic activities across southern Nigeria. Section 3A (27km) and Section 3B (38km) of the highway will traverse Cross River and Akwa Ibom States, featuring a continuously reinforced concrete pavement. Contract No. 8784, awarded to Hitech Construction Company, has already seen progress, with six kilometers cleared and earth-fill operations underway near Calabar.
At the event, President Tinubu emphasized the highway’s role in transforming transportation and fostering regional integration. “This project reflects our commitment to infrastructural development and economic growth,” he stated. The ceremony, held at 12 noon, showcased the project’s scope, including its 60-meter-wide right-of-way and the strategic backward construction approach from Kilometer 65.
On his part, Governor Bassey Otu observed that the project is “a bold and visionary move that will transform the economic fortunes of our region… For us, this highway is not just about transportation. It will boost agriculture, tourism, trade, and industrialization. With the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone now in place, this road will provide easy access for goods to reach markets across the country and beyond”.
Umahi spoke in glowing terms about the road. According to him, “This project is innovative and historic. It is only a leader like President Tinubu who could envision this 27 years ago and now bring it to life. The highway is more than a road; it is a corridor for economic growth, national integration, and environmental renewal.”
Residents of Akamkpa, where the flag-off took place, expressed optimism about the project’s potential to improve mobility and create jobs. A local worker from the Obung quarry noted, “This axis is critical for commuters traveling out of Calabar. The highway will redefine our connectivity.”
Hitech Construction Company has begun clearing and grading operations, with plans to accelerate work in the coming months. The ministry urged stakeholders and the public to stay updated as the project advances, promising transparency and community engagement.
Feelers suggest the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway represents a transformative leap in Nigeria’s infrastructure landscape. As construction progresses, the nation anticipates enhanced trade, tourism, and regional development, solidifying Nigeria’s position as a hub for continental connectivity.
