From Tina Agosi Todo, Calabar 

President Bola Tinubu, represented by Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State, alongside the Minister of Works, David Umahi, yesterday, officially flagged off the construction of a 65-kilometre stretch of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.  
 
The event took place at the project site in Awi, Akamkpa Local Council of Cross River State. The segment, located within Cross River and Akwa Ibom states, is a critical part of the 750-kilometre coastal highway aimed at boosting regional connectivity and economic development across Southern Nigeria.
   
Speaking at the ceremony, Umahi praised the President’s vision, describing the coastal highway as a legacy project that will significantly improve road infrastructure, ease transportation, and promote national unity.  He commended Otu for his consistent support and commitment to the development agenda of the Federal Government.
   
“This project is innovative and historic. It is only a leader like Tinubu who could envision this 27 years ago and now bring it to life. The highway is more than a road; it is a corridor for economic growth, national integration, and environmental renewal,” Umahi said.

The minister assured the host communities and stakeholders of the Federal Government’s commitment to delivering the project on time. He called for cooperation from residents to ensure smooth execution, emphasising the need to support contractors and avoid unnecessary delays.
  
Umahi further reiterated that the Federal Government is fully committed to completing the entire 750km highway, noting that all sections are being pursued concurrently, with priority given to engineering quality and cost-effectiveness.