President Bola Tinubu has said that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway will provide economic opportunity for millions of Nigerians and give 30 million people/businesses improved access to production and marketing centres.
The President made these remarks during the flag-off of the project in Victoria Island, Lagos, on Sunday.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, spanning approximately 700 kilometres, is a major infrastructure initiative aimed at boosting transportation and economic activity along Nigeria’s coastline. The project has been a focal point of President Tinubu’s administration, with significant updates and progress in recent months.
Also Read:
- FG Commits to Completing 47 KM of Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway by May 2025
- “Landmark Beach Owner Playing Politics,” Umahi slams investors
- Nigeria Seeks $5 Billion Trade Facility From Saudi Arabia to Support Tinubu Reforms
- Lagos - Calabar Coastal Highway: Landmark Group Signs Deal With Enugu State Government to…
Project Overview
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is designed to link Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub, with Calabar in the southeastern part of the country. This extensive road network will pass through several states, including Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River, enhancing connectivity and fostering economic growth across these regions. The highway is expected to facilitate easier movement of goods and people, thereby reducing transportation costs and promoting trade.
Recent Developments
On Sunday, May 26, 2024, President Tinubu officially flagged off the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. This event marked a significant milestone in the project’s timeline and underscored the federal government’s commitment to improving Nigeria’s infrastructure.
Speaking during the flag-off, the President said, “On the next 10 benefits of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway; during the period of construction, the road will provide direct employment for thousands of people, and indirect employment for tens of thousands of politicians and more. Economic opportunity for millions is being opened.
“It will fast-track the community’s development. It will bring development closer to the people and give 30 million people improved access to production and marketing centres. You can easily predict a journey vertically and go along the horizontal line and do the definition of free movement of people.”
Route Adjustments and Stakeholder Engagement
The project has not been without its challenges, particularly regarding the proposed route and its impact on local communities and critical infrastructure. Initially, the planned alignment threatened to disrupt submarine communication cables vital for Internet connectivity across Africa. In response to these concerns, the route was adjusted to avoid these cables, which required reverting to an earlier gazetted alignment between kilometres 16 and 25.
This adjustment, influenced by President Tinubu’s intervention, was welcomed by the affected communities, particularly in the Okun Ajah area, where numerous ancestral homes and businesses were at risk of demolition.
Environmental and Social Impact
Environmental and social impact assessments (ESIA) have been critical to the project’s planning phase. The Federal Government has pledged transparency in these assessments, with the ESIA report expected to be publicly available within the next few months. This move aims to address environmental concerns and ensure that the project complies with necessary regulations.
Compensation and Community Impact
The demolition of properties to make way for the highway has been a contentious issue. The government has committed to compensating affected property owners, although some have expressed dissatisfaction with the compensation amounts. Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, announced that approximately N2.75 billion would be allocated for compensation from channel 0 to channel 3 of the highway. Despite this, many property owners feel the compensation does not reflect the market value of their properties or the investments they have made.
Addressing the issue during the flag-off, President Tinubu appealed for the understanding of the public, particularly those whose properties and means of livelihood would be affected by this landmark project.
“I further crave the understanding of the general public, especially those whose properties and sources of livelihood will be impacted by this iconic project. We all make some sacrifices to enable our country to grow.
“However, be rest assured that this government is a compassionate government that cares for you and will do the utmost to offer succour, by way of compensation,” Tinubu said.
The President further said the project is a symbol of hope, unity and prosperity for Nigerians.
“This project is more than just a road – it is a symbol of hope, unity, and prosperity. It will connect our communities in nine states, foster trade and commerce, boost tourism, and create new opportunities for generations to come.
“A similar road in Ireland, called the Wild Atlantic Way, 2,600km long is expected to fetch 3bn euros a year in tourism revenues.
“I want to express my gratitude to the team of engineers, workers, and stakeholders who have worked tirelessly to bring us to this point. Your dedication and expertise are the driving force behind the take-off of this project,” he stressed.
Significance of the Project
Speaking further on the significance of the highway, President Tinubu said, “This is not only a legacy project of this administration, but a dream come true that will connect some neglected towns and cities along the coastal route. Over time it has been noticed that both Tin Can Island and Apapa ports are becoming shallower thereby limiting the size of ships that can berth at those strategic ports.
“It is pertinent to note that the Lagos State Government in partnership with private investors developed Lekki Deep Sea Port which does not have a link road. It is, however, obvious that this development will open up businesses and investment along the project corridor.
“The potential of this road is enormous because it will have two spurs which will link up with Sokoto-Badagry Expressway which is under procurement, and African Trade Route which connects South-East to Cameroon thereby connecting every region of the country.”
Economic and Developmental Benefits
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is anticipated to bring substantial economic benefits. By improving road connectivity, the highway will enhance access to markets, reduce travel time, and lower transportation costs for goods and services. This infrastructure development is also expected to create jobs and stimulate local economies along its route. Additionally, the project aligns with broader national goals of economic diversification and regional integration.
President Tinubu’s Vision
President Tinubu has emphasised the importance of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway in his broader infrastructure agenda. Alongside other significant projects, such as the rehabilitation of the Third Mainland Bridge and the construction of concrete roads to Apapa and Tin Can Island ports, the coastal highway is a testament to the administration’s focus on improving national infrastructure and boosting economic growth.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is a transformative project that aims to enhance connectivity and economic development across Nigeria’s coastal states. While the project has faced challenges, particularly regarding route adjustments and compensation for affected communities, the federal government’s proactive approach and commitment to addressing these issues highlight the potential for this highway to significantly benefit Nigeria’s economy and its people.