From bustling metropolises to remote villages, Nigeria has it all, and the key to transforming the latter into the former lies in the strategic interplay of commerce, tourism, and economic development – all of which hinge on robust road infrastructure networks. In Nigeria, where the effects of inadequate infrastructure connectivity are keenly felt, the benefits of the ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project are potentially monumental.
Consider the statistics: Over 87% of Nigeria’s rural road network are in deteriorated condition, thereby hindering economic activities and exacerbating poverty. Nigerian cities, the nerve centres of socio-economic and political activities, are paralysed by inefficient transportation and congestion, costing billions annually to the nation and its people. For commuters in Lagos alone, the loss due to congestion and inadequate transportation infrastructure totals an estimated sum of N4 trillion yearly. When all thirty-six states are put into perspective, the loss is unimaginable showcasing a pressing need to fill the gaps as soon and as quickly as we can.
A glance at the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project
For centuries, Nigeria’s bustling port cities along the coastline have thrived somewhat isolated. Lagos, the economic powerhouse in the west, and Calabar, the historic trade centre in the east, have long yearned for a more seamless connection.
In March 2024, the current administration announced the construction commencement of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. Spanning 700 kilometres and connecting Lagos to Cross River via the states of Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom, this ambitious project is being led by the selected EPC contractor – Hitech Construction, one of Nigeria’s leading civil engineering companies and the brains behind other projects such as the rehabilitation of National Route NR 14 from Sokode in Togo to the Benin Border, the Cotonou fisheries road development project, the Agege Pen Cinema bridge in Lagos, and expansion of the Eti-Osa Epe expressway, amongst others.
During the construction flagging-off ceremony, President Bola Tinubu underscored the broader significance of the coastal highway, emphasizing that it transcends mere infrastructure to symbolize hope, unity, and prosperity for Nigeria.
“By connecting communities and fostering economic opportunities, this road promises a transformative impact,” Tinubu stated. “This road project will outlive all of us, serving as a testament to building the future. Today is a win for future generations, a landmark to treasure, and a precedent for others to follow in the timely provision of world-class infrastructure”.
The Domino Effect: How the Coastal Highway Could Shape More Than Just Roads
Improved transportation infrastructure is a cornerstone of economic prosperity, facilitating trade, commerce, and investment. Upon completion, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is poised to stimulate economic growth and development. This highway will serve as a vital artery for the movement of goods and services, reducing logistical bottlenecks and lowering transportation costs. This efficiency will, in turn, attract businesses and investors, fostering industrial growth and creating employment opportunities along the route.
It is projected that the construction of the highway will generate nearly 10,000 jobs, resulting in a 0.015% increase in overall employment. While the estimated number of direct jobs created by the project is around 10,000, this figure does not encompass other indirect and induced employment opportunities that will arise due to the project and the subsequent increase in economic activity facilitated by the road in the future.
Moreover, the highway is designed to unlock the economic potential of previously underserved regions. By enhancing access to markets, the project will empower local communities, enabling them to participate more actively in the national economy. Agriculture, in particular, stands to benefit significantly, as farmers gain easier access to urban markets, reducing post-harvest losses and increasing profitability.
Take for example, a farmer in Lagos who struggles to get his farm produce to potential buyers in Calabar due to unreliable transportation. Or consider the residents of Ibeno, a local Government area in Akwa Ibom, who face long, arduous journeys to access essential healthcare in the larger city, Calabar. The ripple effects of this coastal highway will resonate through local economies, driving sustainable development and poverty alleviation.
Beyond economic benefits, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway will have a profound social impact, bridging communities and enhancing the quality of life for millions of Nigerians. Improved connectivity will facilitate access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and social amenities. Currently, the journey from Lagos to Calabar via Sagamu, Benin City, Onitsha, Owerri, and Aba requires about 14 hours of driving time. However, with the highway’s completion, the travel time could be halved to about 7 hours.
While the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway represents progress, it also necessitates a commitment to environmental sustainability. The highway project presents an opportunity to implement green infrastructure practices and utilize advanced technologies to ensure a durable, sustainable, and cost-effective road system. With a proven track record, Hitech Construction, a Chagoury Group company, is renowned for its capabilities and unwavering commitment to delivering projects that prioritize both environmental and social impact.
As construction accelerates on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, its potential to uplift communities and unlock economic potential cannot be overstated. This ambitious infrastructure project holds the key to inclusive growth, promising a more connected and prosperous Nigeria.
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