Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo and his Delta State counterpart, Sheriff Oborevwori, have backed the realignment of Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road.
They spoke in Benin City at the launch of ‘Operation Rescue Benin-Asaba Highway’.
Minister of Works David Umahi had said the realignment was to ensure the road passed through existing roads.
Umahi, who faulted critics of the realignment, said the highway would connect Edo through East-West Road to Benin Bypass.
Speaking about the realignment, Okpebholo said: ‘Edo is not just a corridor. It is a gateway. There is no part of Nigeria you can travel to without passing through Edo. The road here is critical for all of us. Once the road in Edo is good, problem of this region is solved. Taking the road across the former old road linking Onitsha from Asaba is the best package the President has given to the Southsouth. We are so much in support of it.’
Oborevwori, represented by the Commissioner for Information, Charles Anyawu, said: ‘We are pleased with this decision that will uplift our states. Any decision taken to realign the coastal road is a welcome development. Any decision that will enable us harness economic potential along that corridor will be supported.’