Calabar, Nigeria – The Federal Government has announced a suspension on the approval of new road construction projects across the country. This decision was disclosed by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, during a stakeholders’ engagement session in Calabar on Sunday. The session focused on the proposed alignment for sections 3A and the design for approximately 97km spur of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal highway project.
Key Points from the Announcement:
- Suspension of New Road Approvals:
- President Bola Tinubu directed the suspension to prioritize the completion of ongoing projects in the 2025 budget.
- Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway:
- The highway will include section 3A, approximately 38km, from the Akwa Ibom axis through Cross River State.
- An additional 92km spur in Cross River State will connect 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 handling of the Odukpani-Itu federal road contract, warning contractors to return to the site or risk contract revocation.
- The Lagos-Calabar Coastal highway project is seen as a significant initiative by President Tinubu to enhance connectivity and promote economic growth in coastal regions.
Statements and Commitments:
- Minister of Works, David Umahi:
- Highlighted the economic and developmental benefits of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal highway project, emphasizing its potential to facilitate smoother transportation of goods and people, boost trade activities, and spur regional development.
- Described the project as a lasting legacy of President Tinubu.
- Governor of Cross River State, Bassey Otu:
- Pledged full support for the project, noting its economic benefits for the state and the broader regions of southern and north-central Nigeria.
- 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.
- 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.