Minister for Works, David Umahi (3rd from left), Governor Bassey Otu (2nd from left), Senator, representing Cross River South Senatorial District, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (1st from left) and others during the flag off ceremony of the 65km section of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway in Cross River.
By Anietie Akpan
The 65-kilometre stretch of the Cross River, Akwa Ibom axis of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway has been flagged off
Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi performed the official flag off on Monday, April 14 at Awi in Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River state.
This segment of the section 3A/3B of the road, located within Cross River and Akwa Ibom States, is a critical part of the 750-kilometre coastal highway aimed at boosting regional connectivity and economic development across southern Nigeria.
Governor Bassey Otu has described the commencement of construction on Section 3A/3B of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as a historic breakthrough for Cross River State and the South-South region.
Speaking on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the flag-off ceremony in Awi, Akamkpa Local Government Area on Monday, the governor lauded the project as “a bold and visionary move that will transform the economic fortunes of our region”, as the road links other states in the South-south and South Eastern part of the country.
He said,, the highway will restore Calabar’s status as a maritime hub while enhancing connectivity by land, air, and sea. “This is not just a road project—it is a corridor of prosperity that will unlock vast economic opportunities, create jobs, promote cultural integration, and connect our Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone to national and global markets,” he stated.
He reaffirmed the full support of the government and people of Cross River State for the project and for President Tinubu, whom he described as “a leader making the right decisions to build a better Nigeria”, praising the President’s economic reforms in infrastructure, agriculture, and public policy, noting that they are “being implemented fairly and without ethnic or regional bias.”
Gov. Bassey Otu mounting the caterpillar for the ground breaking.
“For us, this highway is not just about transportation. It will boost agriculture, tourism, trade, and industrialization. With the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone now in place, this road will provide easy access for goods to reach markets across the country and beyond,” Otu said.
He urged residents of Cross River to take full advantage of the business opportunities that will arise from the highway project and pledged that his administration will continue to support small and medium-sized enterprises through grants, loans, and capacity-building programs.
Governor Otu also commended the Federal Ministry of Works and HiTech Construction for their prompt and transparent mobilization to site. “HiTech has proven itself not only capable but also committed to the national interest. This is the kind of partnership we need,” he said.
However, he used the occasion to urge the Federal Government to accelerate work on other abandoned or delayed federal road projects in the state. “Many of our federal roads are in deplorable condition. Contracts were awarded years ago with little to no progress. Our people deserve better,” the governor stressed.
On his part, Engr. Umahi, praised the vision of President Tinubu, describing the coastal highway as a legacy project that will significantly improve road infrastructure, ease transportation, and promote national unity.
He commended Governor Otu for his consistent support and commitment to the development agenda of the Federal Government.
“This project is innovative and historic. It is only a leader like President Tinubu who could envision this 27 years ago and now bring it to life. The highway is more than a road; it is a corridor for economic growth, national integration, and environmental renewal,” Umahi said.
The Minister assured the host communities and stakeholders of the Federal Government’s commitment to delivering the project on time. He called for cooperation from local residents to ensure smooth execution, emphasizing the need to support contractors and avoid unnecessary delays.
The bulldozed road signaling commencement of work on the Calabar-Lagos coastal highway.
He reiterated that the Federal Government is fully committed to completing the entire 750km highway, noting that all sections are being pursued concurrently, with priority given to engineering quality and cost-effectiveness.
He concluded by thanking all stakeholders and reaffirming that “this is not just a road, but a gateway to prosperity for Nigeria.”
The Federal Controller of Works in Cross River State, Engr. Olayinka Onafuye, in an interview with Newsmen shortly after the flag off, reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that the project meets the standards and specifications set by the Ministry of Works.
He emphasized the importance of collaboration with host communities in Akamkpa and Odukpani LGAs for a smooth project delivery.
The Managing Director of HITECH Construction Company Ltd, Danny Abboud , disclosed that the road will pass through several Cross River communities including Awi, Njahasang, Oduyama, Ikot Okon Akiba, Obot Ekpo, Afan Okoyong, Ekemkpon, Mkpara Otop, Kaifa, Nduoduo, Oboroko, Esuk Ekom, Nkita, and Ekong Atan Oku, before connecting to Akwa Ibom via the Calabar River Bridge.
He stated that the road, constructed with continuously reinforced concrete pavement, will serve as a key evacuation corridor, reduce congestion, and align with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The highway is expected to open up rural areas, attract investments, and support sustainable development.
