By Kingsley Agim
Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for flagging off construction work on Sections 3A and 3B of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, describing the project as a historic turning point for the state and the entire South-South region.
Speaking on behalf of the President during the ceremony held Monday in Awi, Akamkpa Local Government Area, Governor Otu said the project reflects bold, visionary leadership and will transform the region’s economic landscape.
“This is more than just a highway—it is a corridor of prosperity,” the governor said. “It will revive Calabar’s standing as a maritime hub, enhance connectivity by land, air, and sea, and create economic opportunities that will benefit generations.”
He noted that the highway will strengthen the viability of the state’s Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone by linking it to both domestic and international markets. He pledged his administration’s unwavering support for the project and reaffirmed the loyalty of the people of Cross River State to President Tinubu’s leadership.
“Mr. President has made tough but necessary choices to put Nigeria on a path of sustainable growth. We are already seeing the impact of his reforms in infrastructure, agriculture, and the economy—carried out with fairness and without ethnic or regional sentiment,” Otu said.
He commended the Federal Ministry of Works and HiTech Construction Company for swiftly mobilizing to site, describing HiTech as a dependable partner in development. However, he called on the Federal Government to expedite action on other neglected federal roads across the state, warning that many awarded contracts have yet to see meaningful implementation.
In his remarks, the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, described Governor Otu as “a no-nonsense, results-driven leader” and praised his visible commitment to development across Cross River.
“This project is a legacy that has been delayed for 27 years. Starting it here in Calabar is a testament to President Tinubu’s commitment to national balance and regional equity,” Umahi said.
The minister declared full responsibility for the project’s alignment, cost, and contractor engagement, emphasizing that the coastal highway is a long-term national investment. He criticized non-performing contractors and vowed to terminate their jobs if delays persist.
“HiTech began work without even receiving mobilization funds. That’s patriotism. That’s what we expect from any contractor working under this administration,” he said.
Umahi also noted that the country’s most difficult economic phase is behind it, citing positive ratings from Fitch and the World Bank as validation of President Tinubu’s economic direction.
“Bitterness without reason leads nowhere. Constructive criticism is welcome, but the facts show that Nigeria is bouncing back,” the Minister added.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Works, Engr. Olufunso Adebiyi, highlighted the technical scope of the project, explaining that the 65km section—38km of which lies in Cross River—will be constructed using Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) technology. The road will include dual carriageways and a future rail corridor within a 190-metre-wide alignment.
He called on host communities to cooperate fully with the contractors to ensure smooth and timely delivery of the project.
Other notable speakers at the event included APC State Chairman Alphonsus Eba, Col. PAM Ogar (rtd), Prof. Eyo Etim Nyong, and Senator Florence Ita-Giwa. They all expressed strong support for the highway and appealed to the Federal Government to urgently address other dilapidated federal roads across the state, stressing that equitable infrastructure development is essential to national unity and sustainable growth.
