The Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi, yesterday described the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as a Renewed Hope signature project and a signpost of holistic road infrastructure transformation that will be a reference point and flagship of excellence on the continent of Africa.
In a statement by the Special Adviser (Media) to the Minister of Works, Barr. Orji Uchenna Orji, which our correspondent obtained a copy of in Abakaliki, it was noted that the Minister stated this during the flagging off of the dome-selected roads by President Ahmed Tinubu, reports Saturday Guardian.
Umahi, who is overjoyed about the breakthrough by his ministry, noted that if the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway could be this beautiful, how would the streets of heaven be—adding that this underscores the strength of the road architecture and the beauty of its aesthetics.
Umahi noted the commissioning includes the completed part of Phase I, Section I (30 km of 750 km) of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, which will take place at KM 8 of the project (Jakande Estate Area in Lagos State) on Saturday, 31st May 2025.
According to Umahi, the Coastal Highway was his initiative 27 years ago, with an enduring vision to expand the transportation ecosystem and improve accessibility along the coastal communities of nine states.
He maintained that the road will foster regional integration, social cohesion, and stimulate inclusive development that is resilient and sustainable, adding that it is one of the four Renewed Hope Legacy Projects started by Mr. President.
He said, “Today, as the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a dream conceived has become a dream actualised.
“The president, who is also the initiator and actualizer of the historic project, will commission other completed Renewed Hope signature projects within Southern Nigeria, including the Construction of Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road Corridor (Phase 1, Section 1: Ahmadu Bello to Eleko Village Area in Lekki Peninsula).
“Dualization of East-West Road Section II (Sub-Section I): Eleme Junction in Port Harcourt – Ahoada in Rivers State, rehabilitation, reconstruction and expansion works on Lagos-Ibadan Dual Carriageway, Phase 1, Section II (Shagamu-Ibadan), C/No. 6205 in Ogun and Oyo States.
“Rehabilitation of Alesi – Ugep (Iyamoyung-Ugep) Section in Cross River State and reconstruction of collapsed Enugu Bridge at New Artisan Market, Enugu – Port Harcourt Road in Enugu State.
“Others include the construction of a new bridge at Akpoha in Ebonyi State to replace the near-collapse bridge, rehabilitation of Enugu – Port Harcourt Expressway, Section III: Enugu – Lokpanta in Enugu State, and rehabilitation of Ikorodu – Shagamu Road in Lagos/Ogun States.
“Upgrading of 15km section of the East – West Road from PH (Eleme Junction) – Onne Port Junction in Rivers State, rehabilitation and expansion of Lagos – Badagry Expressway Agbara Junction – Nigeria/Benin Border in Lagos State.”
He also flagged off some awarded projects, including: Ibadan-Ife-Ilesha-Akure-Benin Road in Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Edo States; construction of Nembe – Brass Road; construction of a section of Enugu & Onitsha Carriageway (total length – 107km); and Abakpa flyover in Enugu State.
