LAGOS – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu cut the ribbon Saturday on the first 30-kilometre stretch of the ambitious Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. He hailed the project as a “transformative milestone” crucial for Nigeria’s economy and national unity. This significant highway commissioning ceremony took place in Lagos.
Addressing the nation during the event, President Tinubu acknowledged the current economic hardships. He appealed for continued patience from Nigerians, offering a message of optimism. “I know expectations are still very high, and our people are going through difficult times, but hope is here and it is realisable,” he stated. The President underscored his administration’s focus on bolstering local industry, adding, “It is all about the people. We are giving all incentives to everyone to abide by the principles of Nigeria First.” He also pointed to what he described as early signs of economic recovery, such as falling inflation, stabilized exchange rates, and ongoing crackdowns on corruption.
“We Will Succeed”: Tinubu Defends Highway, Praises Team’s Resolve
President Tinubu directly addressed the controversies surrounding the route of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. He stood firm on the government’s decisions and showered praise on his team for their resilience and dedication. He specifically commended Works Minister Senator David Umahi and the construction firm Hitech Construction for their unwavering commitment to quality and sustainability, highlighting the project’s use of durable reinforced concrete pavement. “My leaders in Lagos thought it was impossible… Then, I said, we will do it, and we will succeed with it,” Tinubu recounted, also giving a nod to Engineer Roland Chagoury for his pivotal role in “taming the Atlantic.” In a call for civic duty during the highway commissioning, the President urged Nigerians to take collective responsibility for maintaining public infrastructure: “The government can build roads, but this is left for us, citizens, to maintain.”
Compensation Paid, No Room for Illegal Structures Along Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway
Minister of Works Dave Umahi also spoke, offering important clarifications regarding the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. He firmly stated that the highway’s construction did not encroach on Landmark Africa’s property, directly refuting earlier claims. “What went off was their encroachment on our front shoreline,” Umahi explained, referencing a Supreme Court ruling that affirms federal government rights to 250 metres of shoreline.
Umahi further announced that President Tinubu had instructed state governors to set aside a 500-metre buffer zone for federal projects. He confirmed that compensation payments have been authorized, even where legal exemptions might apply. “A total of N18 billion has been paid in compensation for Phase 1,” Umahi revealed. President Tinubu reiterated his strong commitment to completing the entire 700-kilometre highway. He issued a stern warning against any unauthorized developments along the route: “Development without approval will not be compensated. We are going to enforce it rigidly.” The highway commissioning of this first phase signals the start of a long-term, transformative project.
By Abiodun Labi
