From Eko Atlantic (Chainage 00), members of Nigerian Society of Engineers, NSE branches, comprising Ikeja, Victoria Island and Ibeju Lekki and NICE Lagos Chapter teamed up as they proceeded on tour of ongoing Lagos Calabar Coastal Highway project.
Federal Government acknowledge public interests in the Project
The engineers were received by Engr. (Mrs.) Olukorede Kesha, the Federal Controller of Works and her team. She used the opportunity to provide an overview of the Eko Atlantic project.
She said that many people have been asking questions about the project’s scope, scale, and progress. She said that the ministry, recognising this public interest, took the initiative to provide a platform for public engagement and information sharing, hence it organised the technical visit.
Kesha said: “We are here at the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway, you will agree with me that it’s a mega project. It’s the talk of the town and everyone has been asking individual questions, when they see us on the road they will want to know if the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway is four lanes, two lanes or 10 lanes.
“So, we decided to say, instead of answering individuals, let us come together as a society; the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) with our sister body, like the Institution of Civil Engineers.
“Seeing is believing, let’s see things for yourself. So, you know how your money is being spent. Hence we organise this technical visit and it’s part of the continuous and professional development of engineers.
“It is part of the mandate of the society of engineers to take engineers to development sites, sites of engineering concern so that they can see and thereafter develop from there,’’ Kesha said.
The controller, who provided the engineers with an update on the progress of the coastal highway project added that the progress was at a rapid pace with substantial work completed.
She told them that extensive sand filling had been carried out over a distance of 12 kilometres to stabilise the ground.
Kesha said that the construction of the road itself was underway, with the road being divided into two sections in certain areas to avoid disrupting existing buildings.
She commended the contractor, HITECH Construction Company, for the good job so far done, adding that the contractor had the necessary capacity and resources to ensure timely completion.
Best Performing project
“ This is about one of the best-performing projects in the country at the moment. As I said, the contractor has the capacity, and the capacity is not in doubt, even by any layman or a blind person.
“If you go by the number of equipment that is assembled at Oniru, you will agree with me that they have the capacity, and all the capacity has been deployed, and they work here day and night,’’ she stressed.
Scope of the Project
The Project, estimated at N1.06 trillion, and covering about 700 Kilometers is expected to transform transport networks, increase trade, and foster regional development in Nigeria.
The initial phase of the coastal road encompasses a 47.47-kilometer stretch that will feature a dual carriageway, with five lanes on each side and a train track running through the middle.
The broader coastal road project extends across nine states: Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Port Harcourt, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River. Additionally, there are two spurs that connect to northern states, thereby increasing the road’s reach and utility.
The construction will employ concrete, ensuring durability and longevity.
In order to connect important urban centers, industrial hubs, and seaports along the southern coast, a new road roughly 700 kilometers in length will be constructed.
Project Implementation
High Tech Construction African Limited has been selected to handle the procurement and funding for the project.
This firm’s expertise and track record in large-scale infrastructure development make it well-suited for the task.
I’m excited about what we’ve seen- NSE Ikeja Branch Chairman
The Chairman, NSE Ikeja Branch, Mrs Nimot Muili, said that the visitation would offer valuable learning opportunities for engineers at all levels, particularly younger professionals.
She also said that it would boost economic growth by facilitating trade, commerce, and investment, and improve infrastructure, including roads, power, and transportation, leading to better living conditions and business opportunities.
Muili further said that the project showcased the importance of collaboration among engineers from different organisations to achieve significant infrastructure projects.
“We collaborated with the Lagos branch, Nigeria Institute of Civil Engineers to come out as a formidable body, collaboration is key for any development and I’m excited about what we’ve seen.
“The level of expertise is being deployed locally, working with other international organisations, developers, designers, as well as the Federal Ministry of Works, and the level of professionalism being displayed by all involved is commendable.
“That means, Nigeria engineers are doing very well, and we could do better,’’ she said.
Before visiting the coastal road, the group toured Eko Atlantic City, where they learned about land reclamation techniques from a representative of HITECH Company.
The aim of the tour was to provide engineers, including students and seasoned professionals, with valuable insights into modern engineering practices and infrastructure development.
About Hitech, the Project handler
Established in 1988, Hitech is one of the leading Building & Civil Engineering Contractors in Nigeria. In addition to headquarters offices in Lagos, it has regional offices located in Abuja, Ibadan and Benin City.
Its expertise cut across, Roadworks, Bridges, Drainage & Concrete Structures; Land Reclamation, River Canalization & Dredging; Dams, Water Supply, Irrigation Schemes & Marine Facilities; and airport runways and infrastructure.