Niger Delta good governance advocate, Prince (Dr.) Peretengboro Klintin Bibaikefie, has urged President Tinubu’s administration to publish the master plan for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Superhighway.
The call follows growing speculation that the original route, which was to traverse the swampy heart of the Niger Delta, passing through Koko, Escravos, Forcados, Ramos, Pennington, Brass, and Bonny Rivers—has been altered.
According to Bibaikefie, the rumours if true, further adds salt to injury on the persistent neglect of the core Niger Delta communities in terms of development.
“Rumors suggest that the road will now divert from Koko, linking up with the Warri-Sapele Road and following the existing East-West Road to Calabar.
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“Adhering to the original plan is crucial, as it would address 80% of the Niger Delta’s issues by providing essential road access to the Atlantic Coast.
“This is key to ending the underdevelopment of the oil-producing creeks and unlocking Nigeria’s Blue Economy.
“There’s no better way to confirm the truth than having the Federal Ministry of Works publish the road plan,” Bibaikefie emphasized.
He pointed out that the recurring neglect of oil-bearing communities in developmental projects fuels contention in the Niger Delta.
He concluded that the government must provide verifiable proof that these communities are included in the plan to avoid unnecessary crises and ensure their hopes are not dashed once again.
