As construction progresses on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Omotayo Oyerokun, a Civil Engineer, has appealed to Federal and State Governments to leverage the new infrastructure for massive economic growth.
?In an open letter addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Minister of Works, Oyerokun advocated for transformation of the strategic real estate stretch between Sangotedo and Eleko into a designated world-class resort and hospitality corridor.
?The proposal, he said, should focus on active private-sector investment to convert the beachfront and immediately adjacent land parcels into an integrated hub for hotels, luxury resorts, and entertainment infrastructure.
?’Nigeria has a rare opportunity to develop its tourism sector, particularly because of the new coastal road.
‘Developing this corridor could significantly contribute to the $1 trillion GDP target, attract foreign and domestic direct investment, and potentially generate hundreds of thousands of jobs across construction, hospitality, transport, and service sectors’, he said
?Beyond coastal land development, Oyerokun said the vision will highlights the synergy between ground transport and aviation infrastructure in the Lekki-Epe zone.
?Oyerokun therefore recommended establishing a localised air carrier, tentatively designated ‘Eko Airline,’ operating out of the proposed Lekki-Epe International Airport in Ibeju-Lekki.
‘The airline would service domestic and regional routes, enhancing passenger throughput and consolidating Lagos State’s position as a primary commercial and leisure destination in West Africa.
‘?This proposal comes as both federal and state authorities continue to emphasise infrastructure-led economic diversification to expand non-oil revenue streams and boost domestic productivity’, he added.