The minister of Works, David Umahi has said, the Lagos-Calabar coastal superhighway will be constructed with concrete technology while it is expected to drive investment opportunities and quicken returns on investment within economic corridors in Lagos State metropolis.
It is also expected to further expand emerging markets for South South and South East economic hub.
Umahi gave the assertion during his oversight visit to Lagos-Calabar coastal superhighway in Lagos while assuring that the project will improve Lagos State economy, provide tourism and increase foreign direct investment drive into the country.
He assured federal government’s commitment and efforts in strengthening road infrastructure, while boosting local content drive and reviving the economy with the Renewed Hope agenda by energizing the vulnerable sector of the economy to achieve economic recovery and milestones.
Economic analysts have also revealed that the completion of the first phase of the project alone could increase the size of Lagos State economy by 50% because of the connection to Lekki Deep Seaport and the Lekki economic corridor where Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Complex is situated alongside other multinational industries.
Umahi, along with the Senate House Committee on Works stated that, the first section of the 1.3km Lagos Calabar coastal road was achieved within 3 weeks of signing the contract adding that over N1.06 trillion have been spent to achieve the first section of the project.
He added that, the performance of the road project will quicken investments drive into the corridors of South-South and South East region of the country while maintaining that the project will preserve investment, boost GDP, provide tourism attraction and increase economic viability.
The Senate committee on works expressed confidence with the project delivery while stressing that The superhighway is being built by Hitech Construction Company. He alluded that the project has a huge return on investment to the country adding that the president is focused to improving road infrastructure project that will last for 100 years and more.
The projects, starting from Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island in Lagos, stretches into the coastal road will pass through Lekki deep seaport, Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Cross River and Akwa-Ibom states.
Speaking on the Lagos-calabar superhighway project Tour in Lagos, Senator David Umahi, said the coastal road would have two spurs that will link up with Northern Nigeria to further integrate the north and south in terms of movement of people, goods and services.
Umahi explained that one of the fascinating and interesting features of the coastal road is how it will compress the distance between Lagos and Cross River adding that the distance from Ibeju-Lekki in Lagos to Araromi in Ondo state is about 50 kilometres along the coast.
On his part, the chairman, joint National Assembly Committee on Works, Sen. Barinada Mpigi, gave the assurance when he led members of the committee on oversight visit to some selected federal highway projects in Lagos.
Mpigi expressed the National assembly’s support for speedy completion of the work, and appreciated the level of work done so far.
The coastal road is real and I can testify that the ministry is doing the right thing. And with the expectant period, it is achievable, he said.
Meanwhile , the Ilaje Development Summit Group (IDSG) has announced its full endorsement and passionate support for the monumental Lagos-Calabar coastal superhighway project. Spearheaded by the Federal Executive Council, this transformative initiative promises to revolutionize infrastructure development along the Ilaje coastal line in Ondo State, Nigeria.
Under the dynamic leadership of Dr. Ola Judah, deputy executive Administrator of the IDSG, the group commends the visionary efforts of the Federal Government in embarking on this historic endeavor which according to them marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s infrastructural landscape, echoing the spirit of progress and innovation that defines our nation.
“The Lagos-Calabar Coastal superhighway represents more than just a road; it is a lifeline of progress for our coastal communities, poised to unlock boundless opportunities for growth and development,” Ola Judah, deputy executive Administrator, IDSG, said.
The benefits of this ambitious project extend far beyond mere transportation logistics. By linking Lagos and Calabar with a state-of-the-art highway spanning over 700 kilometers, communities along the Ilaje coastal line stand to gain unprecedented access to economic opportunities, social integration, and sustainable development.
The IDSG recognises the potential of this superhighway to catalyze growth and prosperity in Ondo State, particularly within the Ilaje region. As a vital artery of connectivity, it will facilitate trade, tourism, and investment, unlocking the latent potential of our coastal resources and empowering local industries to thrive.
“The coastal superhighway project is not just about paving roads; the project will pave the way for a brighter future, where every community along the Ilaje coast can thrive and flourish,” Judah, stated, adding that, the project will enhance accessibility to essential services such as healthcare, education, and emergency response, thereby improving the quality of life for residents of Ilaje and neighboring communities.
The group believes that the transformative infrastructure project aligns perfectly with the objectives of the IDSG, which are centered on promoting inclusive development, environmental sustainability, and social cohesion in the Ilaje region.
“We, therefore, call upon stakeholders at all levels of government, private sector partners, and civil society organizations to rally behind this laudable initiative and ensure its successful implementation. Together, we can harness the transformative power of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal superhighway to unlock the full potential of Ilaje and propel our beloved nation towards a brighter, more prosperous future”.