'Coastal highway will boost 30 million businesses' - Tinubu reveals

Nigeria's president, Bola Tinubu, has stated that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway will give 30 million people improved access to production and marketing centres.

He made this known on Sunday, May 26, 2024 in Lagos during the flag-off of the 700km Lagos-Calabar highway project and several others to mark his first year in office.

Tinubu said: “On the next 10 benefits of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway; during the period of construction, the road will provide direct employment for thousands of people, and indirect employment for tens of thousands of politicians and more. Economic opportunity for millions is being opened.

“It will fast-track the community’s development, It will bring development closer to the people, and give 30 million people improved access to production and marketing centres.

"You can easily predict a journey, vertically and go along the horizontal line and do the definition of free movement of people.”

Recall that in March, the Nigerian government begun constructing the highway, which was made to extend through nine states with two spurs leading to the northern states.

The project was heavily criticised as a lot of buildings were demolished in the process of making it.

Responding to the criticism, Tinubu appealed for the understanding of all Nigerians, especially those whose properties and means of livelihood would be affected by this landmark project.

The president said: “I further crave the understanding of the general public, especially those whose properties and sources of livelihood will be impacted by this iconic project. We all make some sacrifices to enable our country to grow.

“However, be rest assured that this government is a compassionate government that cares for you and will do the utmost to offer succour, by way of compensation.”

BEB