Ben Murray-Bruce, a former senator, has expressed his support for the ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, calling critics “enemies of progress.
He suggested that those opposing the project should stick to the existing routes once the new highway is completed. The ₦13-trillion project, considered Nigeria’s largest public infrastructure initiative, aims to connect nine states and is expected to take eight years to complete.
Murray-Bruce’s comments come as the project faces opposition from some quarters, with some expressing concerns over its feasibility and potential impact.”
Throwing his weight behind the project, Murray-Bruce, founder of the Silverbird Group, praised President Bola Tinubu for embarking on such a “symbol of a brighter future”.
He noted that Tinubu’s commitment to the project is a “beacon for our nation” adding that the highway is not just a “feat of engineering” but a triumph of the collective potential of all citizens.
Recall that the Governors of Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River, Edo, and Delta states have lauded the President for initiating the construction of the coastal highway project.
This as Minister for Works, David Umahi, disclosed that the FG would commence the payment of N2.75 billion in compensation to property owners affected by the demolition necessary for the construction of the highway.
Since construction works started, many, especially political opponents of President Bola Tinubu have dismissed the project as needless, especially at a time when the country is facing her worst economic crisis in decades.
For instance, the Peoples Democratic Party 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, questioned the bidding process that awarded the construction to Hitech Construction Company, saying it violated procurement regulations.
His Labour Party’s counterpart, Peter Obi, also chided the government for embarking on such a project when many roads in bad shape are left unattended to.
Undeterred by the criticism, the Federal Government maintains construction works will continue.
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