November 01, 2024
By Samuel Ogunsona
Nigeria’s Minister of Works, David Umahi, has announced that the design for the Ondo section of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway will be finalized by November.
This 63-kilometer stretch is a crucial part of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to maintaining quality roads across all 36 states.
Umahi made this announcement during a town hall meeting and stakeholder engagement in Akure, Ondo State, on Thursday.
The event focused on the alignment of the Ondo section of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway.
The Minister emphasized that President Tinubu is dedicated to completing the numerous inherited projects, which he described as a major challenge facing the administration. According to Umahi, the President inherited 20,604 projects worth over N13 trillion as of May 29, 2023, with contractors owed N1.6 trillion for jobs done.
Umahi quoted President Tinubu as saying that he would fix all the inherited projects within 14 months, taking personal responsibility for any failures.
“Some of these projects are 20 years, 13 years, 17 years, and five years old. The President believes that these projects should be fixed in 14 months, and if they are not fixed, I will take responsibility,” Umahi said.
The Minister reassured the public that the administration is committed to delivering quality infrastructure, despite the challenges. “We are committed to turning our stone into bread. There is no complaint. We are not distracted. I take responsibility for every failure, any bad road, any road that is ongoing and not being constructed,” he said.
Umahi highlighted Ondo State’s significance as an oil-producing state and key contributor to Nigeria’s economy. He noted that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is not just a road project but a strategic investment aimed at boosting economic growth and development.
“We will conclude the design for Ondo State within the month of November and we will inaugurate it,” Umahi said, reassuring stakeholders of the administration’s commitment to the project.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is a major infrastructure project aimed at connecting Nigeria’s southern states and enhancing economic activities along the coastal regions. The project’s completion is expected to have a significant impact on the country’s economy and improve the lives of citizens.
The Minister’s announcement has been welcomed by stakeholders, who expressed optimism about the project’s potential to transform the region’s economy.
