By Nsa Gill, Chief Press Secretary to the CRS Governor
GOV. OTU APPLAUDS TINUBU AS LAGOS-CALABAR COASTAL HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION BEGINS IN CROSS RIVER.
Governor Bassey Otu has hailed the commencement of construction on Sections 3A and 3B of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as a historic milestone for Cross River State and the South-South region.
The newly flagged-off section, spanning approximately 65 to 70 kilometers, links Cross River and Akwa Ibom States and connects the broader South-South and South-East regions.
Speaking on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the flag-off ceremony held Monday in Awi, Akamkpa Local Government Area, Governor Otu described the project as “a bold and visionary move that will transform the economic fortunes of our region.”
According to the Governor, the highway is set to restore Calabar’s status as a maritime hub while significantly boosting connectivity by land, air, and sea.
“This is not just a road project—it is a corridor of prosperity that will unlock vast economic opportunities, create jobs, promote cultural integration, and connect our Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone to both national and global markets,” he said.
Governor Otu reaffirmed the total support of the government and people of Cross River State for the project and for President Tinubu, whom he praised as “a leader making the right decisions to build a better Nigeria.” He lauded the President’s economic reforms in infrastructure, agriculture, and public policy, emphasizing that they are being implemented “fairly and without ethnic or regional bias.”
He also commended the Federal Ministry of Works and HiTech Construction Company for their swift and transparent mobilization to site.
“HiTech has not only proven its capacity but also its commitment to national development. This is the kind of partnership Nigeria needs,” Otu said.
The Governor, however, seized the opportunity to call on the Federal Government to expedite work on other abandoned or delayed federal road projects within the state.
“Many of our federal roads are in deplorable condition. Some contracts were awarded years ago with little or no progress. Our people deserve better,” he stated.
In his remarks, Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, described Governor Otu as “a disciplined, no-nonsense leader who is focused on development and loyal to the vision of a new Nigeria.” He called the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway “a legacy project 27 years in the making,” commending President Tinubu for commencing the project from Calabar, which he said sends “a powerful message of inclusion to the South-South region.”
Umahi vowed to personally oversee every aspect of the project, assuring Nigerians of transparency and accountability.
“I take full responsibility for the alignment, the cost, and the contractor. This is a national investment—not a political favour,” he said.
He warned that underperforming contractors would no longer be tolerated, while praising HiTech for mobilizing to site “without receiving a single naira in mobilization funds—proof of their patriotism and commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
On the nation’s economic outlook, Umahi said:
“The worst is over. The reforms are working. Fitch and the World Bank have already acknowledged signs of recovery. Nigeria is rising again under President Tinubu.”
Also speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Works, Engr. Olufunso Adebiyi, stated that the 65-kilometre stretch—38 kilometres of which lies within Cross River State—will be constructed using Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) technology.
“This project is not just about infrastructure—it’s about integration, economic growth, and access to essential services,” he noted.
He highlighted that the highway will include dual carriageways and space for a future railway line within a 190-metre-wide corridor, and called on host communities to give their full cooperation for smooth execution of the project.
Other dignitaries who spoke at the ceremony included APC State Chairman Alphonsus Eba, Col. PAM Ogar (Rtd), Prof. Eyo Etim Nyong, and Senator Florence Ita-Giwa.
All speakers expressed unwavering support for the project and urged the Federal Government to rehabilitate other neglected federal roads in Cross River State, stressing that “infrastructure equity is essential to national unity and development.”
