The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, said on Thursday that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project was beyond political motivations.
Umahi stressed that the project would not be politically driven but rather serve as a practical improvement to the socio-economic welfare of the people.
The Minister spoke during a town hall meeting with stakeholders held at the Government House in Akure, Ondo state capital.
He unveiled the details of the 63-kilometre axis of Ondo state in the ongoing construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and revealed the specifications of the project.
Umahi, who highlighted the federal government’s commitment to infrastructure as a crucial national investment, said work would soon begin on the Ondo State axis of the coastal highway project.
The Minister commended the state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for his efforts towards making the project a reality in the State.
He promised that the Federal Government would work closely with Governor Aiyedatiwa, noting that the project represented President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare of all Nigerians.
Aiyedatiwa, in his remarks, thanked the minister for the stakeholders engagement and emphasised the transformative impact of the project.
The Governor, who said the expansive highway would connect several states and bridge the western and southern regions of Nigeria, noted that it would also facilitate improved cross-country connectivity and strengthen trade relations.
He assured stakeholders that the project would not merely be left to contractors but would be diligently monitored to ensure effective utilisation and sustained progress.
“This will not be one of those projects that get abandoned. This road will bring tremendous benefits to the people of Ondo State, and we are fully committed to partnering with the Federal Government to make it a reality,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa also disclosed that the state government was partnering with the Federal Government on the protection and restoration projects at Aiyetoro in Ilaje Local Government Area of the state.