The Federal Government has announced plans to flag off the construction of the Cross River section of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway by next week. Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, disclosed this at a stakeholders’ engagement on Section
Two of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project in Lagos on Sunday.
Key Highlights
– Construction Timeline: The construction of the Cross River section, known as Section B3, will commence on April 14, 2025, while the flag-off of construction at Akwa Ibom will be performed on April 15, 2025.
– Terrain Challenges: Umahi described the 65km terrain as the worst, requiring significant investment to overcome the challenges.
– Sokoto-Badagry Highway: The minister also discussed the Sokoto-Badagry Highway project, highlighting the need to cross three-kilometer-wide rivers, which poses a significant financial challenge.
Project Background
– Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway: The 700 km highway is designed to connect Lagos to Cross River, passing through several states, including Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom.
– Project Cost: The project is estimated to cost about N15 trillion and has attracted criticisms from some Nigerians regarding its timing.
– Project Status: Despite the criticisms, the government has assured that the project will be completed, with the first section expected to be finished by the end of the year.
Controversy and Criticisms
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project has sparked intense debate, with many Nigerians questioning the timing and necessity of the project.
Some have expressed concerns about the project’s environmental impact, while others have criticized the government’s decision to prioritize this project over other pressing infrastructure needs.
However, Minister Umahi has defended the project, stating that it is in the best interest of Nigerians. He also mentioned that President Bola Tinubu views the project as an investment rather than a legacy initiative.