President Bola Tinubu has arrived in Lagos State with great anticipation, ready to mark the inauguration of the colossal Lagos-Calabar Superhighway, a project carrying a hefty price tag of approximately N15 trillion.
The Lagos-Calabar coastal road, spanning 700 kilometers, has been meticulously planned to establish a vital link between Lagos and Cross River. Its trajectory cuts through the states of Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom before reaching its ultimate destination in Cross River.
However, amidst the grandeur of the endeavor, there arose a chorus of dissenting voices from various quarters of Nigerian society. Many questioned the timing of the project, particularly as it entailed the demolition of existing structures. Despite the clamor of criticism, Works Minister Dave Umahi stood firm, asserting that the project was unequivocally in the nation’s best interests.
In an official statement released on Saturday by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, it was revealed that President Tinubu’s visit was not limited to the Lagos-Calabar Superhighway inauguration alone. The President was slated to preside over a series of events commemorating his first year in office.
Among the planned activities, Sunday was earmarked for the inauguration of the concrete-paved roads leading to the nation’s vital ports in Apapa and Tin Can Island. These roads, whose construction commenced during the tenure of President Muhammadu Buhari, were funded by the Dangote Group through their utilization of tax credits.
Additionally, President Tinubu was scheduled to remotely inaugurate the refurbished Third Mainland Bridge, garnering praise for its impeccable craftsmanship and aesthetic enhancements. He would also oversee the virtual commissioning of the rehabilitation of 330 roads and bridges spanning the country.
Returning to the capital on Tuesday, President Tinubu’s agenda continued with the inauguration of the Southern Parkway, christened in his honor by the Nyesom Wike-led FCT Administration. The following day, he would participate in the National Assembly Dialogue Series before unveiling the eponymous National Assembly Complex.
The President’s itinerary then pivoted towards transportation infrastructure, as he spearheaded the relaunch of the commercialization of the Abuja Light Rail, colloquially known as the Abuja Metro. Symbolically boarding a train to the city center, he underscored the significance of public transit initiatives.
Subsequent activities included the inauguration of the Wuye Flyover-Link Bridge and the Defence Intelligence Agency Headquarters, underscoring the administration’s commitment to bolstering both civilian and military infrastructure.
Rounding off the week’s events on May 31st, President Tinubu would officiate the commissioning of the NASENI-Portland Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Reverse Engineering Centre at Utako, marking yet another milestone in the nation’s technological advancement.
