The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project has been the subject of recent debate and controversy, particularly following statements made by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar regarding its cost.
In response, the Nigerian government has moved to clarify the situation, providing insight into the actual cost and scope of the ambitious infrastructure project.
Atiku Abubakar had raised concerns about the project’s purported cost, suggesting that it was inflated and calling for greater transparency and accountability in its implementation.
However, the Nigerian government has refuted these claims, asserting that the project’s cost is justified by its scale and significance in addressing critical infrastructure needs along the coastal corridor.
According to government officials, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project is a vital component of the country’s efforts to enhance connectivity, stimulate economic growth, and promote regional integration.
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The project aims to improve transportation links between Lagos and Calabar, two major cities in Nigeria’s southern region, by constructing a modern highway along the coastal route.
While acknowledging the project’s importance, Atiku Abubakar had questioned the rationale behind its purported cost, suggesting that it could be inflated or mismanaged.
However, government officials have dismissed these assertions, emphasizing that the project’s cost reflects the complexity of its design, construction, and implementation.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project is envisioned as a transformative infrastructure initiative that will unlock the economic potential of Nigeria’s southern region, facilitate trade and commerce, and improve access to social services for millions of people.
The project includes the construction of new roads, bridges, and related infrastructure, as well as the rehabilitation and upgrading of existing transportation networks.
In addition to addressing transportation challenges, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project is expected to have far-reaching socio-economic benefits, including job creation, poverty reduction, and enhanced regional development.
By improving connectivity and accessibility, the project will stimulate economic activities along the coastal corridor, attracting investment and fostering inclusive growth.
As the Nigerian government moves forward with the implementation of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, transparency, accountability, and effective project management will be paramount.
The government has pledged to ensure that the project is executed efficiently, with due regard for value for money, environmental sustainability, and social inclusion.
The controversy surrounding the project’s cost underscores the importance of robust oversight and accountability mechanisms to safeguard public funds and ensure the successful delivery of infrastructure projects.
As Nigeria continues to invest in critical infrastructure to drive economic development and improve citizens’ quality of life, it is essential to uphold transparency and accountability principles to build public trust and confidence in government initiatives.
