Lagos: President Bola Tinubu has announced plans to increase funding for infrastructure development across Nigeria. This commitment was made during the inauguration of the Lekki Deep Sea Port Access Road at the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Plant, as stated by his spokesman, Mr. Bayo Onanuga.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Tinubu expressed satisfaction with the success of the Deep Sea Port, a project he initiated during his tenure as governor of Lagos State. He highlighted the cost-saving benefits for port users who can now avoid the need to trans-ship goods. Tinubu praised the quality of the access road constructed by Messrs Dangote Industries Limited under the Tax Credit Road programme, along with their subcontractor, Messrs Hitech Construction Company Limited.
Tinubu extended his commendation to the Federal Ministry of Works, Hitech Construction Company Limited, Dangote Industries Limited, BUA, and other contractors for their roles in road development across the nation. He reiterated his administration's commitment to building lasting infrastructure nationwide, dismissing criticism from those unaware of the systematic approach to awarding and constructing legacy road projects.
The president clarified misconceptions about the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, noting that only a 30 km segment of the 47.7 km Section I contract had been completed, not a wholesale 750 km as speculated. He emphasized that no single contractor was awarded the entire corridor, and the government's approach remains systematic and section-based.
President Tinubu also mentioned the revival of the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, a project envisioned 47 years ago. This corridor, spanning various states, holds significant potential for agriculture, trade, and industrialization. Tinubu noted the ongoing construction progress, including the completion of over 10 km of the 258 km carriageway in Kebbi and the initiation of the second carriageway.
He also highlighted the ongoing work on the 120 km single-carriageway in Sokoto, with over 10 km already completed, and flagged off the second carriageway. Tinubu assured that more sections are being designed for procurement and award along the entire Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway.
Further construction progress was reported on Section II of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, with over 10 km already completed. Tinubu mentioned ongoing works in the Cross River and Akwa Ibom sections and directed the design and procurement of additional segments.
Additionally, Tinubu spoke about the Trans-Sahara Trade Route, which is progressing steadily and aims to connect Calabar to Abuja through several states. He also announced plans for the accelerated design of the Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi and Gombe corridor to enable the start of procurement. Tinubu concluded with a commitment to completing these projects for the economic benefit of Nigeria, expressing confidence in their successful completion.