Nigerian govt sets Nov deadline for Ondo section of Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway

President Bola Tinubu’s administration has reaffirmed its commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s road network, ensuring all 36 states have well-maintained roads.

Minister of Works, David Umahi, made this promise during a town hall meeting in Akure, Ondo State, on Thursday, where he announced the conclusion of the state’s 63km section of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway design by November.

The Lagos-Calabar coastal highway, a 700-kilometer project spanning nine states, aims to boost economic growth and connectivity along Nigeria’s coastline.

Umahi emphasized the project’s significance, stating, “We will conclude the design for Ondo State within the month of November and we will inaugurate it.” The Federal Government has already inaugurated the Lagos and Akwa Ibom sections of the road.

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Umahi acknowledged the poor state of roads nationwide, taking responsibility and promising prompt action. “One of the things we saw when we came on board was that Tinubu inherited 20,604 projects as of May 29, 2023, worth over N13tn… The President believes that these projects should be fixed in 14 months, and if they are not fixed, I will take responsibility,” he said.

Key Highlights of the Road Rehabilitation Plan:

– Completion of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway design for Ondo State by November
– Inauguration of the project post-design completion
– Restoration of the Aiyetoro community affected by sea incursion
– Termination of contracts for non-performing contractors
– Ensuring all federal high roads are motorable by Christmas

Umahi assured that the administration would not tolerate abandoned projects, stressing, “We have terminated over 10 contracts of big companies, and we have the mind to terminate more.”

He also directed federal road controllers to provide details on roads within their domains to facilitate efficient project execution.

With President Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria is poised for transformative development. As Umahi noted, “Nigerians should be grateful that we have a listening President. He is committed to all sectors. This country still has a lot of potential.”

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