President Bola Tinubu inaugurated the 700km Lagos-Calabar coastal road project, highlighting its significance as a symbol of hope, unity, and prosperity for Nigeria. Despite opposition criticism over costs and transparency, the N15 trillion project aims to boost connectivity, create jobs, and enhance economic growth and tourism.
On Sunday, President Bola Tinubu officially flagged off the construction of the ambitious 700km Lagos-Calabar coastal road. The ceremony was attended by prominent government dignitaries including Minister of Works Dave Umahi, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and several state governors.
The project, which has been allocated a budget of N15 trillion, aims to significantly enhance connectivity and economic integration across southern Nigeria. President Tinubu expressed strong optimism about the project's successful completion, referring to the event as his "bragging day."
“We said we would do this road. We will do this road. We are determined to do it,” Tinubu asserted, highlighting the government’s commitment to completing the project within an estimated eight-year timeframe.
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding the project, it has faced considerable criticism from opposition figures. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, the Labour Party's presidential candidate in the 2023 election, have raised concerns about the transparency of the contract award process and the project's substantial cost. Additionally, the potential demolition of structures along the route has sparked controversy, although the Federal Government has since adjusted the project’s path to avoid damaging important submarine cables.
Tinubu, however, emphasized the broader significance of the road, describing it as a "symbol of hope, unity, and prosperity." He stressed that the road will not only connect communities but also create jobs and spur economic growth. "For our nation to excel, we just have to be bold and courageous in our endeavors," he stated.
Commending Minister Umahi for his efforts, Tinubu underscored the project's potential benefits for Nigeria’s tourism industry, envisioning the Lagos-Calabar road as a critical infrastructure that will outlast the current generation and serve as a foundation for future development.
