The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has expressed optimism that the ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project will offer valuable learning experiences and opportunities for engineers in the country.
Chairman of the NSE Ikeja branch, Mrs Nimot Muili, stated this at a recent tour of the project and Eko Atlantic City organised by the NSE Lagos Island, Ikeja branch and Nigerian Institute of Civil Engineers. According to her, innovation in road construction and engineering provides an opportunity for practitioners to learn and improve their competencies.
Muili said the project would also enhance economic growth by facilitating trade, commerce, and investment, as well as improve infrastructure, such as roads, power, and transportation.
She observed that the project showcased the importance of collaboration among engineers from different organisations to achieve significant infrastructure development.
Muili said: “Collaboration is key to development. The level of expertise is being deployed locally, working with other international organisations, developers, designers, as well as the Federal Ministry of Works, and the level of professionalism being displayed by all involved is commendable. Nigeria engineers are doing well and could do better.’’
Chairman of the Lagos branch of the NSE, Olukorede Kesha, said the NSE would continue to respond to the high level of public interest and curiosity surrounding the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, adding that the tour aimed to provide engineers, including students and seasoned professionals, with valuable insights into modern engineering practices and infrastructural development.
Kesha, who doubles as the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, said the ministry took the initiative to provide a platform for public engagement and information sharing, hence it organised the visit, adding that it is also part of the continuous professional development of engineers.
The chairman disclosed that extensive sand filling had been carried out over 12 kilometres to stabilise the ground, adding that the road is being divided into two sections in certain areas to avoid disrupting existing buildings. She commended the contractor, HITECH Construction Company, for the good job done, adding that the contractor had the necessary capacity and resources to ensure timely completion.
The Federal Controller of Works said: “This is about one of the best-performing projects in the country at the moment. The contractor has capacity, if you go by the number of equipment assembled at Oniru, you will agree with me that they have capacity, and all the capacity has been deployed.”
In this article