Toba Owojaiye reporting
Benin City, Edo state
In a move that reveals his commitment to transforming Nigeria’s infrastructure landscape, President Tinubu has directed the prompt design of the Sokoto-Badagry Coastal Highway, as revealed by the Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, on Sunday.
Truth Live News gathered that Umahi, who spoke on behalf of the President, emphasized the magnitude of this project, describing it as a vital extension of the existing Coastal highway, spanning an impressive 1000 kilometers. Additionally, he highlighted plans for another spur linking Enugu-Abakaliki-Ogoja to Cameroon, further expanding the network of vital transportation arteries.
The ongoing construction of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway, spearheaded by Umahi, exemplifies the President’s vision for infrastructural development. With a total investment of $11.1 billion, covering 700 kilometers, this ambitious project is poised to revolutionize connectivity along Nigeria’s coastline over the next eight years, with potential completion within 30 years.
Despite questions from some quarters about the allocation of resources, Umahi reiterated the project’s strategic importance in connecting disparate regions of the country. He emphasized the need for comprehensive infrastructure development, including addressing neglected federal roads, while expressing confidence in the approval and subsequent execution of the coastal highway project by the Federal Executive Council.
The coastal road initiative, once completed, promises to unite Nigeria’s diverse regions, spanning the South-West, South-South, North-East, North-West, and North-Central, fostering economic growth and social cohesion.
Umahi, echoing the sentiments of many, sees the coastal road as a transformative legacy for Africa, made possible by the leadership and vision of President Bola Tinubu who believes that this monumental undertaking reflects divine providence, affirming the President’s dedication to realizing Nigeria’s full potential through infrastructure development.