In a grand event in the Victoria Area of Lagos State, President Bola Tinubu inaugurated the construction of the 700km Lagos-Calabar coastal road.
Joining him were prominent officials like Minister of Works Dave Umahi and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, alongside Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, and Kwara State’s Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq.
With a substantial budget of N15 trillion allocated for this expansive project, President Tinubu conveyed his confidence in the completion of the road, declaring the occasion as his “bragging day.”
“It’s my bragging day. We pledged to build this road. It will be brought to fruition. Our determination is unyielding,” President Tinubu affirmed.
Criticism amidst optimism: Despite President Tinubu’s upbeat statement, the project has not been without its detractors, particularly from the opposition. Figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party (LP) counterpart Peter Obi have previously voiced their criticism regarding the project’s transparency, expenses, and related infrastructural displacements.
In response to concerns over potential harm to submarine cables along the route, the Federal Government modified the project’s alignment to adhere to the established gazetted pathway.
A vision of connectivity and growth: Undeterred by the critiques, President Tinubu envisions the coastal road as a cornerstone of national development, predicting that it will interlink communities, stimulate job creation, and unlock opportunities for innumerable Nigerians.
“This infrastructure will surpass our lifetimes, epitomizing the essence of future building. Far from being just a path, it’s a testament to hope, unity, and prosperity,” he stated.
Also garnering praise from the President was Minister Umahi for his role in propelling the project forward, noting the anticipated benefits it will yield to the nation’s tourism sector upon its completion.
