Minister of Works, David Umahi, has flagged off the construction of a 65-kilometre stretch of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, at the project site in Awi, Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State.
The segment, located within Cross River and Akwa Ibom States, is a critical part of the 750-kilometre coastal highway aimed at boosting regional connectivity and economic development across southern Nigeria.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Works, praised the vision of President Tinubu, describing the coastal highway as a legacy project that will significantly improve road infrastructure, ease transportation, and promote national unity.
He commended Governor Bassey Out of Cross River for his consistent support and commitment to the development agenda of the Federal Government.
According to him, “This project is innovative and historic. It is only a leader like President Tinubu, who could envision this 27 years ago and now bring it to life. The highway is more than a road; it is a corridor for economic growth, national integration, and environmental renewal”.
The minister assured the host communities and stakeholders of the Federal Government’s commitment to delivering the project on time.
He called for cooperation from local residents to ensure smooth execution, emphasizing the need to support contractors and avoid unnecessary delays.
Minister Umahi further reiterated that the Federal Government is fully committed to completing the entire 750km highway, noting that all sections are being pursued concurrently, with priority given to engineering quality and cost-effectiveness.
He concluded by thanking all stakeholders and reaffirming that “this is not just a road, but a gateway to prosperity for Nigeria.”
Governor Bassey Otu, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and the Federal Ministry of Works for selecting Cross River State as a starting point of the Calabar section. He noted that the coastal highway would reawaken the economic potential of the state, referencing Calabar’s historical position as a trading hub in West Africa.
“For us, this highway is not just about transportation. It will boost agriculture, tourism, trade, and industrialization. With the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone now in place, this road will provide easy access for goods to reach markets across the country and beyond,” Otu said.
The Federal Controller of Works in Cross River State, Engr. Olayinka Onafuye, reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that the project meets the standards and specifications set by the Ministry of Works.
The Managing Director of HITECH Construction Company Ltd, Danny Abboud, disclosed that the road will pass through several Cross River communities including Awi, Njahasang, Oduyama, Ikot Okon Akiba, Obot Ekpo, Afan Okoyong, Ekemkpon, Mkpara Otop, Kaifa, Nduoduo, Oboroko, Esuk Ekom, Nkita, and Ekong Atan Oku, before connecting to Akwa Ibom via the Calabar River Bridge.
