The Federal Government has announced a halt on the approval of new road construction projects across the nation. This suspension was revealed by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, during a stakeholders’ engagement session in Calabar on Sunday. The session concentrated on the proposed alignment for sections 3A and the design for a 97km spur of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal highway project.
Key Points from the Announcement:
Suspension of New Road Approvals:
President Bola Tinubu has directed this suspension to ensure the completion of ongoing projects within the 2025 budget period.
Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway:
The highway will feature section 3A, which spans approximately 38km from the Akwa Ibom axis through Cross River State. Additionally, a 92km spur within Cross River State will connect to Enugu, Ebonyi, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, Abuja, and Lagos states, totaling 130km within Cross River State.
Existing Contracts and Project Management:
Minister Umahi expressed dissatisfaction with the management of the Odukpani-Itu federal road contract, warning contractors to return to the site or face contract revocation. The Lagos-Calabar Coastal highway project is seen as a major initiative by President Tinubu to boost connectivity and promote economic growth in coastal regions.
Statements and Commitments:
Minister of Works, David Umahi:
Umahi highlighted the economic and developmental benefits of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal highway project. He emphasized its potential to facilitate smoother transportation of goods and people, enhance trade activities, and spur regional development. Umahi described the project as a lasting legacy of President Tinubu.
Governor of Cross River State, Bassey Otu:
Governor Otu pledged full support for the project, noting its economic advantages for the state and the broader regions of southern and north-central Nigeria. He directed the state commissioner for works to collaborate closely with the Federal Ministry of Works to ensure the project’s smooth execution, starting in the Calabar axis in August. The governor also assured that the state government had secured executive council approval to pay compensation to ease the right of way for the contractors handling the Odukpani–Itu federal highway.
This strategic focus on completing existing infrastructure projects aims to enhance connectivity and economic growth, ensuring the effective utilization of resources and improved outcomes for ongoing developments.