The development of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, spanning 700 kilometres to link Lagos and Cross River States through various coastal states, is seen as a vital move for Economic Growth and Infrastructure improvement. This ambitious project has stirred up a range of opinions among members of society and policymakers, reflecting the significance of such a large-scale endeavor. In the midst of discussions, a lingering question remains: Will this highway be the key to sparking Nigeria’s economic and infrastructural revolution? Will it ultimately enhance the lives of its people by enhancing access, promoting commerce, generating job prospects, and nurturing overall social and economic growth?
Meanwhile, this project is said to have come at the perfect moment given the county’s current economic situation marred by fluctuating GDP and rising Unemployment issues. Building just the coastal highway alone is expected to bring a much-needed boost to the national Economy by generating thousands of jobs and supporting various industries. Estimates suggest that nearly 10,000 jobs will be created during the Construction of the highway, leading to a 0.015% increase in overall employment. Women and residents of neighboring areas stand to benefit the most from this initiative.
Completion of the highway will bring about additional indirect.
While the project is estimated to generate about 10,000 direct jobs from the project, the total impact on employment goes far beyond this number. The completion of the highway will bring about additional indirect and induced job opportunities, and as well lead to a significant increase in economic activity in the future, contributing to a substantial economic boost. Once completed, the highway will serve as a crucial link for trade, tourism, and business, creating a smooth connection from Lagos to Calabar and everything in between. This increased ease of access will boost economic growth throughout the region, unleashing the hidden opportunities of both coastal towns and inland areas.
It is expected to attract a variety of businesses, residents, and investors, ultimately boosting the economic growth of nearby states. The project also directly aligns with SDG 9, Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, by improving access to all-season roads for rural populations. Nigeria is currently facing substantial challenges in providing access to rural roads. Approximately 200,000 kilometres of rural roads in the country are currently in poor condition, affecting economic activities. The Coastal Highway Project seeks to address this issue by enhancing connectivity for rural communities near the shoreline, improving their access to markets, healthcare, and Education within a 2-kilometer radius.
Integrating train with the highway will reduce congestion.
In addition, the Coastal Highway Project plays a vital role in supporting Environmental Sustainability by cutting down on travel time and fuel usage. This results in lower carbon Emissions and enhances the transportation networks, leading to the creation of Eco-friendly urban areas. Integrating a train system with the highway will further reduce traffic congestion, minimize pollution, and offer a more effective mode of coastal travel in Nigeria. This project stands out for its utilization of the public-private partnership (PPP) model.
Partnerships between private companies like Hitech, a leading civil engineering firm in Nigeria, and the federal government play a crucial role in advancing infrastructure development in the country. By combining the skills, assets, and effectiveness of private businesses with the regulatory supervision and transparency of government agencies, these collaborations expedite the completion of projects while also guaranteeing their endurance and future success. Investing in critical infrastructure projects such as the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway is crucial for Nigeria’s journey towards achieving Sustainable Development.
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Investing in projects that boost economic growth and improve citizens’ quality of life in Nigeria is not just about solving current issues, but also about setting the stage for sustained prosperity. This shows Nigeria’s dedication to creating a better future for future generations. The completion of this ground-breaking project has the potential to completely change the infrastructure in Nigeria and also has the power to kickstart sustainable development across West Africa. It sets an example for future projects in the region.
