The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, upon completion, will improve regional connectivity, expand trade and ease the transportation of agricultural produce and industrial goods across the South-South region.
Mrs Gift Johnbull, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, South-South, said this while speaking to newsmen in Abuja on Friday.
Johnbull commended President Bola Tinubu for infrastructure projects being executed across the region, including the Benin-Asaba dual carriageway, Benin Bypass, Benin-Sapele-Warri corridor, Auchi-Ehor Road and East-West Road.
She said the projects were expected to strengthen connectivity, facilitate trade and ease the movement of agricultural produce, oil and gas resources and other goods across the region.
Johnbull also highlighted projects being undertaken by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), including the Kaa-Ataba Bridge linking Khana and Andoni, the Ogu Road Network, the Obehie-Oke-Ikpe Road, the Bonny Ring Road, and the Okrika-Borokiri Bridge.
She said the infrastructure drive under the Renewed Hope Agenda was designed to improve connectivity, expand economic opportunities and address development challenges in South-South communities.
Johnbull also declared the region’s support for Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
According to her, the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project has restored more than one million mangroves, provided potable water to 49 communities and created over 7,000 direct jobs.
She added that the Ogoni Specialist Hospital and cottage hospitals were among the interventions aimed at improving healthcare delivery, alongside other projects targeting underserved communities across the region.
On electricity, Johnbull highlighted Rural Electrification Agency projects, including solar mini-grids in the Etung Local Government Area of Cross River and Ogu-Bolo in Rivers, as well as a 750 million-dollar renewable energy programme.
She said nearly 198,000 students from the South-South had benefited from more than ₦17.6 billion in loans through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund.
Other interventions, she said, included housing projects in Asaba, Uyo and Port Harcourt, compressed natural gas buses in Benin City and Port Harcourt, and the Three Million Technical Talent programme.
Johnbull added that solar-powered health facilities and other development initiatives were improving access to essential services, creating economic opportunities and enhancing living conditions across the region.
Also speaking, Mr Cletus Ojuiso, a grassroots supporter from Cross River, commended Tinubu for empowering residents of the South-South through community engagement.
READ ALSO: NLC Gives FG Deadline to Reduce Fuel Prices, Review Minimum Wage
He said the administration had helped many young people, including disadvantaged students, complete their education.
Mrs Victoria Uko, a Senior Legislative Aide in the House of Representatives, said a database of women with Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) had been compiled to support mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 general elections. Uko urged women across the South-South to support Tinubu’s re-election bid.
