Lagos, Nigeria – President Bola Tinubu has announced that the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway will significantly transform transportation and enhance tourism in Nigeria. Speaking at a recent infrastructure summit, Tinubu emphasized the project’s potential to unlock economic opportunities and improve connectivity across the coastal regions.
“The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is a game-changer for our country,” said Tinubu. “It will not only ease the movement of goods and people but also open up our beautiful coastal areas to tourists from all over the world.”
The ambitious highway project aims to link major coastal cities from Lagos in the southwest to Calabar in the southeast, spanning over 700 kilometers. This development is expected to reduce travel times, lower transportation costs, and facilitate trade between coastal and inland areas.
The project has garnered widespread support from various stakeholders, including state governments, private sector investors, and local communities. Many believe that the highway will spur economic growth by attracting investments in tourism, hospitality, and related industries.
“Improved infrastructure is critical for tourism development,” noted tourism expert Chidi Nwankwo. “With better roads, tourists can more easily access remote and scenic destinations, boosting local economies and creating jobs.”
The highway is also anticipated to alleviate congestion on existing routes, providing an alternative corridor for freight and passenger traffic. This will enhance the efficiency of Nigeria’s transportation network and support the government’s broader agenda of economic diversification and development.
However, the project is not without challenges. Environmental concerns have been raised about the potential impact on coastal ecosystems and communities. Activists are calling for thorough environmental impact assessments and sustainable construction practices to mitigate these risks.
“We must balance development with environmental preservation,” said environmental advocate Amina Idris. “It’s essential to ensure that the highway project does not harm our natural heritage and the livelihoods of coastal communities.”
The Nigerian government has assured the public that environmental and social considerations will be integral to the project’s planning and execution. Tinubu reiterated the administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability in all stages of the highway’s development.
Construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is set to begin later this year, with completion targeted for 2028. The project is expected to create thousands of jobs during the construction phase and generate long-term economic benefits for the region.
As Nigeria embarks on this transformative infrastructure journey, there is a palpable sense of optimism about the future. The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway represents a bold step towards a more connected and prosperous nation.
Source: tribune
