A prominent Ogun State chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Segun Showunmi, has lauded the ongoing Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road project, describing it as a transformative national investment capable of reshaping Nigeria’s economic future for generations.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Showunmi commended President Bola Tinubu for what he termed a bold infrastructural vision that signals a generational shift in national development priorities.
He noted that the coastal highway, currently under construction, embodies the kind of long-term planning required to reposition Nigeria for sustained growth.
Showunmi was part of the federal government delegation, led by the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, that recently inspected sections of the project.
He expressed admiration for what he witnessed on-site, particularly the scale, organisation, and pace of work.
According to him, the activity observed in Uyo demonstrated an exceptional level of engineering coordination.
“The sheer magnitude of overburden clearance, meticulous alignment demarcations, and towering ridges could humble any observer,” he said. “The site pulsed with purposeful energy: machines humming, metal clanking, all in synchrony, as though men and machines were guided by one spirit.”
He added that viewing the concrete pavement already completed in the Calabar section filled him with optimism. “Smiles lit every face. The reality dawned on us: we are on track. We saw the beginning, the middle, and now the emerging end.”
Showunmi also expressed appreciation to President Tinubu and Minister Umahi, noting that the coastal highway would stand as a major legacy project. He likened its significance to the landmark contributions of past national leaders.
“For generations, we benefitted from the works of Awolowo, Ahmadu Bello, and Azikiwe. We witnessed the infrastructural contributions of Obasanjo, Babangida, and even Abacha. Now, President Tinubu is delivering something the next generation will look back on with gratitude – vast, defining, and transformative,” he said.
He further praised the contractors for maintaining high construction standards, asserting that the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road would elevate Nigeria’s global profile. “The project marks the beginning of a new dawn, where no nation will dismiss or disrespect us casually,” he added.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is a 750-kilometre route designed to connect Lagos with Calabar along the Atlantic coastline, traversing nine states: Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, and Edo.
Implemented under a public-private partnership arrangement, the project includes a proposed rail line and is expected to enhance trade, tourism, and regional integration by significantly cutting travel time.
Although the project has generated controversy over cost estimates, environmental concerns, and demolition of affected properties, supporters argue that its long-term economic rewards justify the investment and potential disruptions.
