The Lagos-Calabar coastal road project, spanning an impressive 700km and estimated to cost N15 trillion, has garnered praise from the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo. In a statement issued by its Secretary-General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the organization emphasized the positive economic impact the project would have on Nigerians.
While acknowledging concerns raised by the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, regarding adherence to due process in awarding the project, Ohanaeze Ndigbo urged key stakeholders to focus on the project’s potential benefits rather than engaging in endless political debates.
Titled ‘Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road and the Political Calculus,’ the statement delved into the transformative potential of the coastal highway project. It highlighted its significance in reshaping the political landscape and boosting the fortunes of key players in Nigerian politics.
The project, designed to establish a crucial link between Lagos and Cross River, will traverse several coastal states, including Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Edo, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom, before reaching its final destination. Ohanaeze Ndigbo commended the meticulous planning and legal compliance involved in the project’s inception, emphasizing its potential to stimulate economic growth.
Amid debates surrounding the project’s timeline and implementation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo underscored the importance of supporting Minister of Works David Umahi’s efforts to deliver the project within eight years. It urged stakeholders, including Atiku Abubakar, to prioritize the success of ongoing infrastructure initiatives aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s economic resilience.
Ultimately, the statement called for unity in advancing national development goals, emphasizing the role of transformative infrastructure projects in fostering prosperity for all Nigerians. As the Lagos-Calabar coastal road project unfolds, Ohanaeze Ndigbo remains committed to advocating for initiatives that promote the socio-economic advancement of the Igbo people and the nation at large.
