President Bola Tinubu, represented by Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State, has officially launched the construction of Section 3A of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway in Akamkpa, Cross River State. This 23-kilometer segment is designed to link with Section 3B in Akwa Ibom State, forming part of a larger 65-kilometer stretch. The Minister of Works, David Umahi, emphasized the strategic importance of the highway, highlighting its potential to enhance national road infrastructure, reduce congestion, and promote environmental conservation.

During the flag-off ceremony, Umahi called for the full cooperation of the people of Cross River State to ensure the project's timely completion. He assured that local communities would be actively involved in the construction process. Governor Otu, representing President Tinubu, described the road project as a significant job creation booster that would improve the lives of the state's residents upon completion.

Otu urged Cross Riverians to seize the economic opportunities presented by the road project, encouraging them to reawaken their entrepreneurial skills. He also noted that the highway would serve as a crucial evacuation corridor for products from the Special Agro Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) in the state, following its recent groundbreaking ceremony. Otu pledged his administration's full support to ensure the project's success from the Calabar end.

Umahi praised President Tinubu's vision, referring to the coastal highway as a legacy project that would significantly improve road infrastructure, ease transportation, and promote national unity. He also commended Governor Otu for his consistent support and commitment to the Federal Government's development agenda.

The Minister reiterated the Federal Government's commitment to completing the entire 750-kilometer highway, emphasizing that all sections are being pursued concurrently with a focus on engineering quality and cost-effectiveness. He assured host communities and stakeholders of the government's dedication to delivering the project on time and called for their cooperation to avoid unnecessary delays.