The federal government recently commenced the construction
of the 700-kilometre Lagos-Calabar coastal road, which is expected to run
through the shoreline of beach resorts in Lagos, while traversing eight other
states.
However, the project has elicited mixed reactions from
Nigerians, with critics raising concerns over funding and the demolition of
structures on the right of way.
Atiku Abubakar, former vice-president, and Peter Obi, former
presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), have criticised the project,
describing it as a case of “misplaced priority”.
‘WORK SHOULD ALSO COMMENCE IN CALABAR’
The south-south governors commended President Bola Tinubu
for the project, demanding that work should also commence at the Calabar end of
the road.
Briefing journalists at the end of the meeting, Obaseki, who
is the chair of the south-south governors council, said when completed, the
road will connect coastal communities to commercial cities in Nigeria.
“We thank Mr. President Ahmed Tinubu for commencing the
construction of the coastal road from Lagos to Calabar, and appeal that for
speedy completion of this road, work should also commence from the Calabar
end,” he said.
The governors also called on the federal government to
expedite work on the east-west road.