Former Senator and member of the Eighth Senate, Ben Murray-Bruce, has voiced his support for the ongoing construction of the 700km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
He described critics of the project as enemies of progress and suggested that they should not use the road once it is completed.
Murray-Bruce commended President Bola Tinubu for initiating such a significant infrastructure project, which is estimated to cost N13 trillion and will connect nine states.
He hailed the project as a symbol of a brighter future for Nigeria and emphasized Tinubu’s commitment to the nation’s development.
The highway, according to Murray-Bruce, is not only a remarkable engineering achievement but also a testament to the collective potential of all citizens.
The Governors of Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River, Edo, and Delta states have also praised President Tinubu for embarking on the construction of the coastal highway project.
Minister for Works, David Umahi, revealed that the Federal Government would start compensating property owners affected by the demolition necessary for the construction of the highway, with N2.75 billion earmarked for this purpose.
Despite criticism, particularly from political opponents of President Tinubu, who have deemed the project unnecessary, especially given Nigeria’s current economic challenges, the Federal Government remains committed to continuing the construction works.
For instance, Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, questioned the bidding process that awarded the construction to Hitech Construction Company, citing alleged violations of procurement regulations.
Similarly, Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, criticized the government for embarking on such a project while many other roads in poor condition remain unattended.
However, the Federal Government maintains that construction works will proceed as planned.
