Dave Umahi
The Works Minister, Dave Umahi, has ordered accelerated work on the Akwa Ibom section of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. Umahi gave the directive at the weekend when the Senate Committee on Works and political stakeholders inspected the project.
The minister said there was an urgent need to ensure that the Akwa Ibom section of the highway meets the level of progress other parts have made. He described the highway as a non-negotiable “catalyst for the industrial revolution of the country”. Umahi told the contractor handling the project, Hitech, to begin roadside landscaping, plant trees, and install solar-powered lights for security and aesthetics, besides the 24-hour work schedule on the project.
The minister noted that the challenging Section 3, spanning Akwa Ibom and Cross River states, had been strategically realigned from 65 kilometres to 72 kilometres to bypass a “terrible” 19-kilometre swamp. He assured Nigerians that the move would ensure cost control and guarantee durability.
“This highway will be an economic catalyst. I commend Hitech highly for their partnership, working day and night without immediate payment. They aim to deliver in 24 months, not 36 months. We are also preparing other sections. I direct Hitech to commence 24-hour work here, start landscaping with trees, and install solar lights for security.
“The government is working to resolve payment for all contractors. We are committed to taking courageous decisions to build a lasting road, not minding critics. We invite constructive criticism from those who come to see for themselves. We are building a legacy for the next generation, regardless of political affiliation,” he said.
Commenting on the funding for the project, Umahi confirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had approved the payment of outstanding certificates for the coastal highway and other projects, following the transition of funding from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited to the Ministry of Finance.
The payments, according to the minister, are pending verification. Briefing the minister on the progress of work on the project, the Federal Controller of Works in Akwa Ibom State, Okoduwa Vincent, explained that construction activities had been accelerated on the 41-kilometre stretch. According to him, the team is currently engaged in intensive earthwork after completing three major culverts – a twin culvert and a triple culvert.
