The federal government, on Friday, temporarily opened the 47.47 kilometres Section One, Phase One of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, describing the project as a game changer.

The minister of works, Dave Umahi, inaugurated the section on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, in Lagos.

The 750 kilometres Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway started from Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island in Lagos State and will end in Cross River.

It will pass through several states, including Ogun, Ondo, Delta and Bayelsa.

Mr Umahi said at the inauguration that the opening was the realisation of a dream of 27 years.

He noted that Mr Tinubu opened a portion of the section on May 26, describing it as a major step forward in the implementation of a nationally strategic project.

The minister said that the highway had a reinforced concrete pavement and closed circuit television cameras, among other features.

He noted that the highway would connect the western and southeastern regions of Nigeria to improve cross-country connectivity and trade relations.

He reiterated that it would create millions of jobs, cut travel time, and drive economic growth.

He said that the Tinubu administration had embarked on some legacy projects in different parts of the country for the advancement of Nigeria.

Earlier, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, praised Mr Tinubu for efforts on infrastructure development.

The governor was represented by the state commissioner for transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi.

He emphasised that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway would reduce travel time on the corridor and improve economic prosperity of the citizens.

“It is also intended to connect rural areas to urban markets and key economic zones such as the Lekki Free Trade Zone.

“With improved connectivity and reduced travel time, businesses will be able to operate more efficiently, and people will have more time to focus on their work.

“This will lead to increased productivity and economic growth,” Mr Sanwo-Olu said.

He described the highway project as one of the most ambitious and audacious infrastructure projects since Nigeria’s independence.

He thanked the minister for delivering the section and temporarily opening it for use, as he promised, to reduce pains associated with road traffic gridlock.

The Oniru (traditional ruler) of Iruland, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, expressed gratitude to the federal government for the opening.

He said the project represented a significant milestone in national development and was a testament to Mr Tinubu’s good leadership.

The royal father said the highway would enhance mobility and positively impact tourism, agriculture and other sectors.

He noted that the temporary opening would ease movement and reduce congestion for millions of road users during the festive season.

“This is a welcome relief for commuters who have had to deal with pressure on other major roads.

“With this opening, the promise of a more convenient festive season is assured,” he said.

He noted that Dany Abboud, the managing director of Hitech Construction Company, the contractor handling the project,  said that the entire 106 kilometres stretch of Sections One and Two of the coastal highway would be completed by Dec. 2026.

The traditional ruler whose Iru Kingdom hosts the take-off point of the  highway project, pledged continued cooperation with the federal government to ensure successful completion.

He commended Mr Umahi, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos and the project team for dedication, assuring them of the support of traditional institutions on the corridor.

(NAN)