A member of the Eighth Senate, Ben Murray-Bruce, has described critics of the ongoing 700Km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as enemies of progress who “should not ply the road when it is completed.”
“This is why it is surprising that some disgruntled people are opposing this project. I would suggest that such enemies of progress should not ply the road when it is completed and stick to the old long treacherous routes,” Bruce said in a video he shared on his X page on Sunday
The N13-trillion highway, regarded as Nigeria’s biggest public infrastructure, will connect nine states with its construction projected to last for eight years.
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.