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Lagos-Calabar Highway Will Cut Logistics Cost By 15%, Says NOA

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1 year ago

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Lagos-Calabar Highway Will Cut Logistics Cost By 15%, Says NOA

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) says the ongoing construction of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway will serve as a transformative infrastructure project, driving economic growth and national integration.

In its weekly publication, The Explainer, the NOA quoted David Umahi, minister of works, as describing the 700-kilometre 10-lane superhighway as a “blueprint for national transformation.”

According to the agency, the minister said the project will reduce travel time between Lagos and Calabar from 12 hours to just 4.5 hours, reduce logistics costs by 15-20 percent, and empower over 500,000 small businesses.

“This is not just road construction—it’s an investment in Nigeria’s future,” Umahi was quoted as saying.

“It is a visionary undertaking that will drive inclusive development, improve access to markets, and empower over 500,000 small businesses along the corridor.

“The project links the industrial strength of Lagos with the agricultural potential of the Niger Delta and Southeast, while addressing key infrastructure, economic and security challenges.”

In the report, the minister also highlighted the project’s potential to increase Nigeria’s gross domestic product (GDP) by 2 percent by creating new industrial corridors, expanded trade, and enhanced tourism access along the coastal route.

The NOA said the Lagos-Calabar highway is expected to generate 10,000 direct jobs in construction and engineering, and over 15,000 indirect jobs in logistics, materials supply, and support services.

“The highway is expected to boost tourism revenue by 25 per cent by providing access to underutilised beaches such as Ilashe Island in Lagos and Ibeno Beach in Akwa Ibom State,” the agency said.

“Its eco-friendly elements, such as reforestation initiatives and a rail system to reduce emissions, align with sustainable development goals.

“The road’s design features solar-powered CCTV surveillance systems for safety, a central rail line for integrated transport, and a tolling system to ensure sustainability. It is financed through a 30 percent public and 70 percent private investment model, with full cost recovery targeted over 15 years.

“The project is comparable to Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, which generates €3 billion annually,” the agency stated, adding that its environmental components—such as mangrove restoration and wildlife corridor designs—are aligned with international standards.”

The NOA also said the highway is a strategic step toward closing Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit, which it noted stands at 30 percent of GDP — well below the World Bank’s 70 percent benchmark.

Citing the 2025 Appropriation Act, the agency applauded the Tinubu administration for allocating N23.96 trillion to capital expenditures, which, for the first time in decades, surpasses recurrent spending, which is pegged at N13.64 trillion.

“This shift reflects a clear commitment to reversing decades of underinvestment in public infrastructure,” the NOA said.

The agency noted that the highway is one of several signature projects, alongside the Sokoto-Badagry superhighway and Eastern railway, geared toward unlocking regional development and national productivity.

President Bola Tinubu had said the road is a “pathway to prosperity” and a symbol of national unity while commissioning the projects to mark his two years in office.

Thecable.ng

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Nigeria Strengthens Maritime Leadership as Fadahunsi Emerges Vice Chairman of Eastern Atlantic Hydrographic Commission

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12 hours ago

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July 12, 2026

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The Hydrographer of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hydrographic Agency (NHA), Rear Admiral OO Fadahunsi, has been elected Vice Chairman of the Eastern Atlantic Hydrographic Commission (EAtHC) for the 2026–2028 term, further reinforcing Nigeria’s growing influence in regional and global maritime governance.

Rear Admiral Fadahunsi’s election was confirmed on Friday, 3 July 2026, during the ongoing EAtHC Conference in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, where member states endorsed his emergence to one of the commission’s most strategic leadership positions.

Established on 26 November 1984 under the auspices of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), the Eastern Atlantic Hydrographic Commission was founded by France, Nigeria, Portugal and Spain. Over the past four decades, the commission has expanded significantly, comprising 11 member states, 10 associate members and six observers committed to promoting hydrographic excellence across the Eastern Atlantic region.

The commission plays a pivotal role in advancing hydrography, nautical cartography and maritime safety through capacity-building initiatives, the development and implementation of International (INT) Charts and Electronic Navigational Chart (ENC) schemes, improved hydrographic surveys, enhanced charting standards, effective dissemination of nautical information and sustained advocacy on the importance of hydrography to regional maritime development.

Since its inaugural conference in Paris, France, in April 1986, the EAtHC has convened biennially to strengthen collaboration among member states and chart the future of hydrographic development.

In another significant endorsement of Nigeria’s expanding maritime profile, the country has been selected to host the next EAtHC Conference in June 2028. Nigeria will also host the 25th Meeting of the Capacity Building Sub-Committee (CBSC25) and the 19th Meeting of the Inter-Regional Coordination Committee (IRCC19) in June 2027, positioning the country at the centre of major international hydrographic engagements.

Rear Admiral Fadahunsi’s election is widely regarded as a testament to Nigeria’s sustained investment in hydrographic development, maritime safety and regional cooperation. It also reflects growing international confidence in the National Hydrographic Agency’s contributions to safer navigation, marine resource management and the blue economy.

As Nigeria prepares to welcome leading hydrographers, maritime regulators and technical experts from across the world over the next two years, the country is poised to consolidate its reputation as a key driver of hydrographic innovation and maritime security in the Eastern Atlantic region.
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Business

Canada Publishes 2 Official Websites to Find Jobs, Says Over 2,000 Vacancies Are Posted Daily 

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15 hours ago

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July 12, 2026

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Canada has made it easier for unemployed individuals and foreigners who wish to live and work in the country to find jobs that can help them live comfortably and meet their basic responsibilities.

On the official Canadian government website, two links are provided to websites where job seekers can find available jobs in Canada

According to the Canadian government website, applicants who apply for jobs through these platforms can get hired by different companies, as more than 2,000 jobs are posted every day.

Aside from these two websites, the Canadian government explains that individuals can also use employment agencies to help them find jobs that match their skills.

A job seeker can also ask friends or family members if there are job openings or vacancies, as not all positions are advertised on these websites.

1. Job Bank

The Canadian government explains that thousands of jobs are advertised on this platform every day by organisations and companies. The link to access the website can be found in the detailed post published on the Canadian government website.

2. Jobs GC

Another website where foreigners who wish to work in Canada or Canadian citizens can find government jobs is the Jobs GC website. Federal public service jobs are advertised on the website, alongside several other opportunities that may match an applicant’s skills.

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Business

BREAKING: Marketers Increase Fuel Prices Nationwide, as US-Iran War Escalates,  New Rates Emerge 

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21 hours ago

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July 12, 2026

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Fresh petrol prices have emerged across major depots in Nigeria as marketers adjusted rates upward in response to growing uncertainty in the global oil market following renewed hostilities in the Middle East.

The latest pricing released shows that several depot operators have increased the ex-depot cost of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, amid concerns that escalating tensions between the United States and Iran could disrupt global crude oil supplies.

Industry observers say the adjustments are largely precautionary, with marketers seeking to cushion the impact of any sharp rise in international crude prices should the crisis worsen.

The fresh increase comes after tensions flared in the Gulf region, with Iran announcing the closure of the strategic Strait of Hormuz following the expiration of its ceasefire arrangement with the United States.

According to reports, Tehran accused a commercial vessel of violating its maritime regulations and carrying out hostile activities, prompting the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to intercept and strike the ship.

The IRGC said the vessel had travelled through an “unapproved route” and had switched off its tracking systems, adding that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed “until further notice” and until what it described as the end of US interference in the region.

In response, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed carrying out military strikes on more than 140 Iranian military targets, including missile launch sites, drone facilities, naval assets, ammunition depots and surveillance infrastructure. Washington said the operation was aimed at protecting civilian and commercial shipping through the strategic waterway.

The latest developments have heightened fears of disruptions to global oil exports, with the Strait of Hormuz serving as one of the world’s busiest energy transit routes.

Data from PetroleumPriceNG indicates that depot petrol prices increased by an average of 0.46 per cent compared to previous rates.

The fresh adjustments signal a departure from the previous benchmark of around N1,075 per litre at several depots.

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