By Emmanuel Abi Couson
As part of the commitment of the Tinubu’s administration to sustain its on-going infrastructural developments drive in line with its Renewed Hope Agenda. The Federal Government has announced plans to commence the flag-off of the next phase of Lagos- Calabar Coastal highway from Cross River to Akwa Ibom.
The Minister of Works Senator (Engr) David Umahi disclosed this at the stakeholders engagement meeting in Uyo ,Akwa Ibom state on 29, June 2024.
According to the Minister of Works,”we are here to introduce section three and four of the famous Lagos- Calabar Coastal Highway.
“We started and awarded section one which started in Lagos and terminated at deep port in Lagos and is at 47 4 klm
“There is section two that is starting at Lekki Deep Sea Port and taking it to the famous Dangote Refinery”
Adding that the President has graciously directed that section three and four must start at Cross River and stop at Akwa Ibom .
Senator Umahi recalled that once the Senate President addressed the people of Akwa Ibom state and he assured them that “section three and four will be start on this part of the coastal highway and this is the fulfillment of that assurance and we are happy doing this”.he added.
Speaking further, the Minister explained “that section three has 27 klm on Akwa Ibom land 38 klm on Cross River State. While section four is entirely on Akwa Ibom that is 80 klm.
When you add 27 klm and 80 klm ,you have 107 klm ,so you are benefiting maximizing this coastal highway.
“When we complete the procurement process and award this section three and four, work will start in many sub- sections of this section all at the same time.
“Tinubu is a man who matches his words with actions. So we are happy with the level of commendations and support we received from Nigerians and so many benefits of the coastal highway
Speaking at the event, the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio expressed his appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for listening to his plea to start section three and four of the coastal highway in Cross River State to Akwa Ibom.
He called on the Akwa Ibom State Governor , Pastor Umo Eno to give maximum support to the federal government to buy the coastal highway
The former governor also called on the Minister of works to works to engage the services of engineers from the state on the project.
Also speaking at the event the Akwa Ibom state governor assured the stakeholders that the state will corporate with the federal government to ensure the completion of the project .
