Coastal Superhighway
Publish the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Superhighway Plan Now, Bibaikefie Tasks FG
By Divine Perezide
Niger Delta Good Governance Advocate, Prince (Dr.) Peretengboro Klintin Bibaikefie, has urged President Tinubu’s administration to publish the master plan for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Superhighway. This call comes amidst growing speculation that the original route, which was to traverse the swampy heart of the Niger Delta—passing through Koko, Escravos, Forcados, Ramos, Pennington, Brass, and Bonny Rivers—has been altered.
Rumors suggest that the road will now divert from Koko, linking up with the Warri-Sapele Road and following the existing East-West Road to Calabar. Bibaikefie argues that adhering to the original plan is crucial, as it would address 80% of the Niger Delta’s issues by providing essential road access to the Atlantic Coast. This, he believes, is key to ending the underdevelopment of the oil-producing creeks and unlocking Nigeria’s Blue Economy.
“There’s no better way to confirm the truth than having the Federal Ministry of Works publish the road plan,” Bibaikefie emphasized. He pointed out that the recurring neglect of oil-bearing communities in developmental projects fuels contention in the Niger Delta. He concluded that the government must provide verifiable proof that these communities are included in the plan to avoid unnecessary crises and ensure their hopes are not dashed once again.
Coastal Superhighway
We Will Flag OFF C’River, Akwa Ibom Sections of Lagos-Calabar Highway in August — David Umahi
IduwiniVoice
We Will Flag OFF C’River, Akwa Ibom Sections of Lagos-Calabar Highway in August — David Umahi,
By Tobouke JEMINE
The federal government is set to begin the next phase of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, focusing on the Cross River to Akwa Ibom sections, starting in August. This was announced by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, during a stakeholders’ engagement in Uyo. The project will include sections three and four of the highway, covering 27 km in Akwa Ibom and 38 km in Cross River for section three, and 80 km entirely in Akwa Ibom for section four. President Bola Tinubu has emphasized the importance of starting these sections promptly, with construction beginning simultaneously in multiple subsections.
The project will feature a redesigned rail track positioned to the sides of the highway. Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno have expressed their support and commitment to the project. Additionally, the Surveyor General of Cross River State, Patrick Bassey, highlighted the need for public awareness about the road’s importance.
In related news, the Ministry of Works may terminate contracts for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the Lokoja-Benin road due to delays. Minister Umahi has warned expatriate contractors about potential contract terminations if delays continue and emphasized support for local contractors.