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Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has pledged his full support for the successful execution of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project.
The governor made the pledge during a stakeholders’ engagement meeting convened by the Federal Ministry of Works on the proposed alignment for sections 3A and design of 97km spur of the road, with a segment from Cross River State to South East and North Central part of Nigeria.
Otu, who was represented by his deputy, Peter Odey, said his administration’s maximum cooperation and support towards the realisation of the crucial infrastructure development is inevitable, stressing that the importance of good road network to the economic development of the state, region and nation at large cannot be overemphasised.
He added that the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway portends great economic benefits for the state as well as the southern and North Central regions of Nigeria.
The governor directed the Commissioner of Works to engage with the team from the Federal Ministry of Works and ensure that nothing inhibits the smooth execution of the project, which is scheduled to commence in August 2024.
Otu assured the Minister of Works that the state government has secured the approval of the State Executive Council to pay compensation in order to ease the right of way for the contractors handling the Odukpani–Itu federal highway.
Speaking, Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, described the project as a significant initiative of President Bola Tinubu, aimed at enhancing connectivity and promoting economic growth along the coastal regions of Nigeria.
“Once completed, the highway is expected to facilitate smoother transportation of goods and people, boost trade activities, and spur regional development,” he said.
The minister said the project is one of Tinubu’s legacies that would outlive his administration and many others to come.
Umahi explained that by the directives of the president, his ministry will be prioritising the completion of ongoing projects in the country in the 2025 budget rather than putting up new projects.
The minister stressed that the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway has section 3A, about 38km stretch from Akwa Ibom axis through Cross River State.
He added that there will be a spur of the same coastal highway, about 92km in Cross River State, making it a total of 130km to be constructed within Cross River State.
According to Umahi, the 92km spur in Cross River State will cross Enugu, Ebonyi, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa and Lagos States as well as the Federal Capital Territory.
The minister frowned at the poor handling of the existing contract of Odukpani-Itu federal road, stating that the first warning will be issued to contractors to return to site or risk revocation of their contracts.
Many stakeholders across different strata, including national assembly members, public servants, traditional leaders, professional groups, social and religious leaders from Cross River State attended the interactive engagement.