The Federal Government on Monday inaugurated the construction of the 65 Kilo Metre Section 3A and 3B of the Lagos-Calabar coastal road at Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River
The Minister of Works, Chief Dave Umahi, inaugurated the three-lane dual carriageway in company of the Cross River governor, Bassey Otu, who represented President Bola Tinubu.
Umahi explained that the sections were components of the 750km Lagos-Calabar coastal road.
He noted that like other sections of the road, the Cross River axis would be constructed using a continuous reinforced concrete pavement.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to infrastructural development, describing him as a national hero.
“Only somebody like Asiwaju can come to a deep forest like this and then turn it to another city.
“I thank you for your support for the people of this country because your commitment and pedigree, character, and content is beyond Cross River. You are a national hero.
“We inherited an economy that was in shock. It was in oxygen. But the oxygen has been removed. The worst is over, and we are at the path of prosperity. This project is one of it,” he said.
He appealed to communities within the corridor to cooperate with the contractor to complete the project on time.
“So I want to appeal that we give the contractor lots of cooperation. They move like lightning. They have no time to waste. If you cooperate with them, you will see magic,” he added
Tinubu in his remarks, described the Lagos-Calabar coastal road project as economic enabler, job creation booster, intra- and interregional integration link, and facilitator of cultural exchange.
According to him, as a responsive government, we will continue to create an enabling environment for the nano, small, medium enterprises to thrive.
“Relevant government agencies are poised to grant soft loans, grants, professional advice, and other incentives to business owners to enhance their operations.
“Not too long from now, Nigeria is going to be fully independent. If you are independent without food sufficiency, and you cannot actually determine your fate properly, then it means you are going to lean on other economic powers to help you navigate the rough terrain.
“But the structure that we are putting in place today is something that is going to leave a massive legacy in terms of making sure that the life of every Nigerian is better.”
Similarly, the Federal Controller of Works in Cross River, Olayinka Onafuye said that his duty is to ensure that the project meets standards and specifications, and gave assurance that he would ensure that.
