By Uche Amunike
As the administration of the Tinubu-led government of Nigeria approaches her first anniversary which comes up on May 29, President Bola Tinubu has arrived Lagos, Sunday for the commissioning of some completed projects under his administration.
Speaking, through a statement released and signed by Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, on Sunday, part of the project to be commissioned in Lagos is the concrete-paved road to the nation’s major ports in Apapa and Tin Can Island. The reconstructed road began under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration and was sponsored by the Dangote Group, using its tax credits.
The visit of President Tinubu in Lagos also covered the formal commissioning of the refurbished Third Mainland Bridge by virtual means. The bridge which has attracted public acclaim for its perfect finishing an aesthetic furnishing was virtually commissioned alongside 330 roads and bridges rehabilitated across the country.
The climax of the arrival of President Tinubu in Lagos is the commissioning of the iconic Lagos-Calabar super highway, estimated at about N15 trillion. Construction has begun on the legacy project which will connect nine coastal states with the section 2 already awarded to Hitech Construction Limited.
During the commissioning of the coastal highway, the president described it as a symbol of hope, unity and prosperity for Nigerians. He also characterized the 10-lane road initiative as an important achievement in Nigeria’s journey towards progressive development. This Lagos-Calabar coastal road is designed to connect Lagos to Cross River, through Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers and Akwa Ibom states, before linking Cross River state.
Tinubu stated, that project represents an important, step in the effort of his government, to enhance connectivity, improve the quality of life of Nigerians, and contributed greatly to economic growth.
His words: ‘This project is more than just a road – it is a symbol of hope, unity, and prosperity. It will connect our communities in nine states, foster trade and commerce, boost tourism, and create new opportunities for generations to come.’
‘A similar road in Ireland, called the Wild Atlantic Way, 2,600km long is expected to fetch 3 billion euros a year in tourism revenues.’
‘I want to express my gratitude to the team of engineers, workers, and stakeholders who have worked tirelessly to bring us to this point. Your dedication and expertise are the driving force behind the take-off of this project.’
As a result of the project which led to the demolition of some buildings, Nigerians have strongly criticized the timing of the project. However, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, has clarified that the project is in the best interest of Nigerians.
By Tuesday, President Tinubu’s visit to Lagos will come to an end as he proceeds to Abuja to commence another round of commissioning. First on the list is the Southern Parkway, which was named after him by the Nyesom Wike-led administration of the Federal Capital Territory.
By Wednesday, the President will attend the National Assembly Dialogue Series where he will unveil the National Assembly Library Complex that was named after him. From there, he would head to the Abuja Metro where he will recommission the commercialization of the Abuja light rail. He will join a train ride from there to the city center.
Recall that the Buhari administration completed the Abuja metro in 2018, after it was put into commercial use up till 2020. However, after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the train service was abandoned and vandals looted the facility which led to it being put out of use.
The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has spent about $15 million to build access roads to the various stations, as he refurbished them for commercial service.
The president will also commission the Wuye Flyover-Link Bridge, as well as the defense intelligence agency headquarters.
On Friday May 31, the president will also commission the Portland Compressed Natural Gas, CNG Reverse Engineering Center at Utako.
