KEY POINTS

• During his visit to Cross River President Tinubu officially started the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway section.
• The Coastal Highway launches operations to support regional connections and job market growth as well as economic prosperity throughout the regions.
• Governor Otu brings attention to both food security needs and economic development opportunities for inhabitants of Cross River.

Presidential administrator Bola Ahmed Tinubu initiated construction operations for Section 3A/3B of the Lagos-Calabar 750km Coastal Highway in Cross River State on Monday.

HITECH Construction Company Limited performs the construction works on the 65km pathway utilizing continuously reinforced concrete pavement and aims to finish all operations within 36 months.

Lagos/Calabar highway as an economic enabler

During the flag-off event in Awi Governor Bassey Otu stood in as President Tinubu highlighted that the Coastal Highway would act as a catalyst toward economic expansion and new job opportunities and regional market development.

According to his remarks the infrastructure project will function beyond its basic role as a road as it establishes a prosperity passage to link Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone markets with domestic and international markets.

Opportunities for Cross River residents

Governor Otu asked Cross River people to seize business openings which the Coastal Highway system would enable. The government took responsibility to support local businesses by providing soft loans, grants and professional advice to enhance small and medium enterprises (SMEs) success through a favorable environment.

Food security and self-sufficiency

Governor Otu declared that securing complete independence requires food security which would become more achievable through the Agricultural Free Trade Zone created possible by the activity provided by the Coastal Highway.

Nigeria faces the possibility of global power dependence because it lacks food sufficiency according to his assessment. Minister for Works demonstrates admiration for the leadership maturity of President Tinubu.

The Minister for Works under Senator David Umahi expressed his admiration toward President Tinubu for undertaking this massive project. Governor Otu demonstrated great discipline by continuously working on development projects.

Nigerians received confidence from government officials that the project would receive strict oversight by the promise of direct personal supervision from the president during its execution to eliminate contractor delays and underperformance.

Commitment to quality and timely delivery of Lagos/Calabar highway

Engr. Olayinka Onafuye committed to supporting project supervision as Federal Controller of Works in Cross River State and ensured the project will execute to Federal Ministry of Works requirements. The Lagos/Calabar highway success required active collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Works and the residents of Akamkpa and Odukpani LGAs.