The Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, was recently accompanied by a group of prominent figures from various political parties on an inspection tour. Chief Segun Showunmi, a chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and civil society activists were among those who joined the minister to examine the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project.
During the inspection, Umahi emphasized the need for greater public awareness of the project. He stated that more Nigerians should understand the initiative to properly appreciate President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to infrastructure development. The minister urged the public to evaluate the project’s worth and “tell the story” of whether it is a profitable investment.
Umahi highlighted the significant effort invested in the coastal highway. The primary goal of the project is to physically connect the western and southeastern regions of Nigeria. This connection is expected to greatly improve cross-country connectivity and trade relations.
NAN reports that the highway will pass through Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers and Akwa Ibom states before ending in Calabar.
Commenting, Showunmi, also the Convener of the Alternative Movement, said that there was the need to build a consensus around development.
“ We must accept, as Nigerian citizens, that there are times in our history when we must breathe in and breathe out and begin to look at how we can develop our nation.
“The honourable minister, who in my opinion is one of the most accessible, conscientious and easy-to-relate with, invited us to look at this project.
“We will look at it on behalf of Nigerians with the critical eye of the Nigerian.
“We will say what we will see and query what we think should be queried and converse on your behalf,” he said.
