•President says project will foster trade, tourism, seeks counterpart funding

•Tinubu insists landowners will get compensation, 700km highway a symbol of unity

The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, has said the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway will give 30 million people improved access to production and marketing centres.

Tinubu disclosed this in his remarks on Sunday in Lagos during the flag-off of the 700km Lagos-Calabar highway project and several others to commemorate his first year in office.


He said, “On the next 10 benefits of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway; during the period of construction, the road will provide direct employment for thousands of people, and indirect employment for tens of thousands of politicians and more. Economic opportunity for millions is being opened.

“It will fast-track the community’s development, It will bring development closer to the people, and give 30 million people improved access to production and marketing centres. You can easily predict a journey, vertically and go along the horizontal line and do the definition of free movement of people.”

In March, the Federal Government started constructing the highway, designed to extend through nine states with two spurs leading to the northern states.


The project, which necessitated the demolition of some buildings, faced significant criticism and interrogation from Nigerians and the National Assembly who believed the timing was inappropriate.

Last Thursday, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, disclosed that 750 houses that are on the path of the Lagos-Calabal coast highway have been marked for demolition.

Umahi had earlier announced an N2.75bn in compensation to property owners affected by the proposed demolition spanning from channel 0 to channel 3 on the mega highway.

However, relevant stakeholders have voiced complaints, arguing that the compensation did not match the investment made.

Responding to the criticism on Sunday, the president further appealed for the understanding of the general public, particularly those whose properties and means of livelihood would be affected by this landmark project.

He appealed, “I further crave the understanding of the general public, especially those whose properties and sources of livelihood will be impacted by this iconic project. We all make some sacrifices to enable our country to grow.

“However, be rest assured that this government is a compassionate government that cares for you and will do the utmost to offer succour, by way of compensation.”


He described the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as a symbol of hope, unity, and prosperity for Nigerians.

He said “This project is more than just a road – it is a symbol of hope, unity, and prosperity. It will connect our communities in nine states, foster trade and commerce, boost tourism, and create new opportunities for generations to come.

“A similar road in Ireland, called the Wild Atlantic Way, 2,600km long is expected to fetch 3bn euros a year in tourism revenues.

“I want to express my gratitude to the team of engineers, workers, and stakeholders who have worked tirelessly to bring us to this point. Your dedication and expertise are the driving force behind the take-off of this project.”

Tinubu emphasised the significance of safety, sustainability, and social responsibility, urging stakeholders to collaborate to ensure that this project benefits all and leaves a lasting legacy for future generations.

He stated “This is not only a legacy project of this administration but a dream come true that will connect some neglected towns and cities along the coastal route. Over time it has been noticed that both Tin Can Island and Apapa ports are becoming shallower thereby limiting the size of ships that can berth at those strategic ports.

“It is pertinent to note that the Lagos State Government in partnership with private investors developed Lekki Deep Sea Port which does not have a link road. It is however obvious that this development will open up businesses and investment along the project corridor.


“The potential of this road is enormous because it will have two spurs which will link up with Sokoto – Badagry Expressway which is under procurement and African Trade Route which connects South East to Cameroon thereby connecting every region of the country.”

Commending the Minister of Works, David Umahi, he noted that the government was waiting on private investors to bring their funds.

He stated “It is worthy to state that the model of EPC+F( Engineering, Procurement, and Construction Plus Finance) which the ministry is adopting is commendable. This sees the Federal Government investing while waiting for private investors to bring on board their counterpart funds.

“I commend the Honourable Minister of Works and the staff of the Ministry who are ensuring that the contractor delivers good quality work.”

Tinubu asserted that the 10-lane road project represented a crucial step in the government’s efforts to enhance connectivity, facilitate economic growth, and improve the quality of life for our people.

He added, “The project is more than a mere road, it is a symbol of hope, unity, and prosperity. It will connect our communities in nine states, foster trade and commerce, boost tourism, and create new opportunities for generations to come.

“To the glory of God and benefit of our people, it is my greatest pleasure to flag off this project and also virtually flag off the spurs about to be procured.

“I also flag off the massive rehabilitation of 330 roads and bridges across the nation. Let the construction begin.”

While commending the dignitaries, Tinubu said everyone wanted a good highway, but no one wanted the government to go through their backyard.

He said, “Everybody, they say, wants a good highway, but nobody wants you to go through their backyard.

“I thank you tremendously, the Chairman of HiTech, Gilbert Chagoury, and my partner, Engineer Roland. We walk together to take the Atlantic and turn a disaster into an asset of great value together.

“We lost weight, we took abuse, but we tamed the Atlantic, we achieved our goals. Here again, we are in it together, thank you, Roland, for being who you are.

‘A particular stakeholder, responsible corporate leader, Aliko Dangote, thank you for understanding your field and investment in Africa, and your incapacity to navigate the stormy water business. Yes, Nigeria is going through a patch, but we depend on you to continue doing this, so that other people will emulate and copy your example, thank you, Aliko.”

He said today was a brag day for him as the dream was fearlessly set on a journey determined to build a nation on prosperity and embark on bold endeavours.


“The dream is fearless-able, set on a journey, determined to build a nation of prosperity, embark on bold endeavours so that your country can be successful. Generations yet unborn can have a good landmark, a memory to treasure, and good understanding to copy, and a good education to promote the other generations.

“We said, we would do this road, and we are determined to do it. The way we are going, we have the rule that will outlast us, and have lived all of us here present, that is how to build the future.”

The 10-lane coastal road is intended to link Lagos to Cross River, passing through Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom states before ending in Cross River.

Umahi revealed that the road would be built using concrete pavement.

The government also established a committee tasked with the responsibilities of reviewing, assessing, and compensating landowners affected by the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Expressway.

Umahi said that the committee, comprising members drawn from the ministry, Lagos State, affected communities, and other stakeholders, had primary responsibilities that included verifying the eligibility of claimants, assessing the dimensions of affected properties, and determining the appropriate compensation amounts.

https://punchng.com/coastal-highway-will-boost-30-million-businesses-tinubu/?amp

The bold insanity, rascality and criminality going on in our nation right in the name goverance is really scary.
Tinubu and his gang has totally shambolized the nation and shredded it.
The dearth and hunger in the land today is worse than Somalia and gaza joined to together.

Despite all these , the heartless disaster creature and his gang are galavanting on a shambolic project that has more benefit to him, his family and cronies.

The late general sani Abacha did not cause this level of pains to Nigerians before he was taken away .
What goes up must come down.

The 10-lane coastal road is intended to link Lagos to Cross River, passing through Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom states before ending in Cross River

Toh

7 states involved. Average population of the states plus the job opportunities bringing to those states.

Brighter future

It's just common sense.

na statistics we go chop

Efulefu😂😂😂😂😂
Obidients gather here lets laugh small

30 million business indeed 😡😡😡

After killing over Half of Nigeria's Business, just for you to come a say you are about to Boost
30 million Business 😡😡😡
It's now Confirmed you are not only a Drug dealer but also a Drug addict.
Thunder ⚡⚡⚡ Fire 🔥🔥🔥 you there 😠😠

GreenxGreen:
30 million business indeed 😡😡😡

After killing over Half of Nigeria's Business, just for you to come a say you are about to Boost
30 million Business 😡😡😡
It's now Confirmed you are not only a Drug dealer but also a Drug addict.
Thunder ⚡⚡⚡ Fire 🔥🔥🔥 you there 😠😠

Bring the names of "over half of Nigeria's business" that was kiIIed and the numbers.

JagabanB:

Bring the names of "over half of Nigeria's business" that was kiIIed and the numbers.

GTF out of my mention

Road construction would bring business?

It's sad sha APC dont know when to stop lying

Infrastructure doesn't bring economic growth they just make doing business easier

MEEVEET:
Road construction would bring business?

It's sad sha APC dont know when to stop lying

Infrastructure doesn't bring economic growth they just make doing business easier

I was expecting a comment like this because the average Obident obviously dón't know anything, book a trip to Loco, go from Benue through Agatu, ask the communities there to show u images of that environment before that bridge and linking roads were opened and compare it to now.
Infrastructures bring businesses, it's simple, if you can't think this basics, stop dishing out advice.

GreenxGreen:
GTF out of my mention

As usual, empty

Where is Tilumbu chopping statistics from?

Goodvibes007:
It's just common sense.

That is our problem. We work with common sense instead of statistics and data.

DMerciful:
Where is Tilumbu chopping statistics from?

Nah the kind govt Africa deh run. Common sense government.

JagabanB:

I was expecting a comment like this because the average Obident obviously dón't know anything, book a trip to Loco, go from Benue through Agatu, ask the communities there to show u images of that environment before that bridge and linking roads were opened and compare it to now.
Infrastructures bring businesses, it's simple, if you can't think this basics, stop dishing out advice.

There is no business going on on that road h mentioned today that wasn't already exiting before the road the just left other places

If your theory is correct most highways would be lined with businesses na

USA that is richer, better and has very high quality business environment has 33M+ small businesses.

Oga OP where did you see 30M businesses ?

Who did the count?

I fully support this project as it will not only create jobs and boost the economy, but also bring development to neglected areas and improve the lives of millions of Nigerians.

Is the super coastal highway the solution to the food insecurity, double-digits inflation, multi-dimensional poverty, chronic taxation, economic stagnation, destruction of the naira, investors exit, and deteriorating widespread insecurity pervading this nation @ present?

MEEVEET:

There is no business going on on that road h mentioned today that wasn't already exiting before the road the just left other places

If your theory is correct most highways would be lined with businesses na

A filling station opening there left other places?
Locals opening stores they didn't own before left other places?

lol i don't believe there are 30 million businesses on planet earth

Fantastic news! The LagosCalabar Coastal Highway will provide economic opportunities for millions and connect communities in 9 states. Kudos to Tinubu and the team for their hard work and dedication!

Nigeria has 30 million businesses and there is so much unemployment.

America has 33 million businesses and jobs boku

Someone is giving us lamba

na statistics we go chop ... Hmm, need help with your academic papers? Contact us.

Last last road dey bring development...i hope say the road go pass through my coastal village wey dey at the edge of Nigeria sharing border with the atlantic ocean.

Bulaba don come o
No be only 30 million businesses na 30 trillion businesses e go bring.

Shadomaan7:
I fully support this project as it will not only create jobs and boost the economy, but also bring development to neglected areas and improve the lives of millions of Nigerians.

Gbam! Well said

Ofodirinwa:
lol i don't believe there are 30 million businesses on planet earth

The Punch Headline is different from the actual report.

It said the Coastal road will give 30 million people improved access to production and marketing centres.

30million people NOT 30million businesses.

story for the gods

commoditiesnig:


The Punch Headline is different from the actual report.

It said the Coastal road will give 30 million people improved access to production and marketing centres.

30million people NOT 30million businesses.

speaking about the headline

MEEVEET:

There is no business going on on that road h mentioned today that wasn't already exiting before the road the just left other places

If your theory is correct most highways would be lined with businesses na

As in this people just dey swallow whatever the president says hook line and sinkerr

Asin how can a road project bring millions of businesses?

Asin a whole of 30million ooo😂

These guys don't deserve to be in the midst of humans at all

It's now Obvious where these Agbado crusaders get their orientation from.

Will

Agberos and illegal toll gates be the employment?

All I know is that, for saying , 30million opportunities will present itself for citizens to harness, shows how Tilumbu built LAGOS.

He used Propaganda and intimidation to hold the region under lock and key.

To imagine that these people claim to be educated and Sophisticated. And they support a certified forfeiter of drug money proceeds to be their symbol of emancipation, says alot.

What a pathetic people...

Nonsense