147 Lagos structures to be affected by coastal highway service lane

No fewer than 147 structures in Lagos State are expected to be affected by the construction of a service lane for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.

President Bola Tinubu disclosed this on Sunday during a stakeholder engagement and the flag-off of repair works on the Eko Bridge, Marine Bridge and a flooded section of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

Tinubu, who was represented by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said five of the affected structures would be fully impacted, while the remaining 142 would experience minimal impact.

He assured affected property owners that the Federal Government would provide compensation where necessary and at the appropriate time.

The president described Eko Bridge as one of the oldest bridges constructed after Nigeria’s independence, while noting that Marine Bridge provides access to the seaports in Lagos.

He urged the Lagos State Government to sustain its development efforts across the state.

“Today, in particular, is a day on which we have had extensive stakeholder engagement. We are truly happy with the turnout,” Tinubu said.

He said the Federal Government had undertaken extensive renovation works across Lagos, stressing the importance of recognising infrastructure projects already completed or ongoing.

“As a government, we must acknowledge and appreciate the efforts that have been made. This is about recognising the real work on ground,” he said.

Tinubu commended stakeholders for their continued engagement with government and praised the Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, for his efforts in improving road infrastructure.

He said some adjustments might be required from residents and other stakeholders to ensure that infrastructure projects achieved their intended benefits.

“For all of us to enjoy the full benefit of infrastructure, we have to shift a bit, so that it becomes an asset that will outlive all of us,” he said.

According to him, the stakeholder engagement was organised to secure the support and cooperation of residents toward the successful implementation of the projects.

“There are days when we accept criticism for us to do better, but there are days when things have been done and they have been done right, and we need to give recognition and support where it is most deserving,” Tinubu said.

He expressed confidence that the projects would benefit Lagos residents and Nigerians generally.