For those who are well travelled across Nigeria you will notice that the North has historically prioritized road infrastructure development, with past leaders investing in extensive road networks that cut across cities of the north.
Now, a president from the South is working on a significant infrastructure project, a 700km road connecting multiple southern states, for the first time. Some Southerners are criticizing this initiative, seemingly due to their preference for a different leader.
It's worth noting that previous Southern presidents, such as Obasanjo and Jonathan, have had their own development projects, none of which has tried to address a southern-specific opportunity. However, this current project has the potential to benefit the South specifically and significantly. By extension it will eventually benefit all of Nigeria.
Perhaps it's time to consider the bigger picture and recognize the value of initiatives that benefit our communities, regardless of who leads them. True education encompasses not just academic knowledge, and speaking robust grammar, but also wisdom in recognizing opportunities that benefit us all.
In conclusion, the development of a Lagos-Calabar (southern) link road is long overdue and critical for growth and southern integration. The existing road infrastructure, largely focused on North-South routes, reflects the country's historical extractive economy, where resources are transported from the hinterland to the South and ultimately to ports for export regardless of positive externalities that border on local economic integration . It is high time we prioritize infrastructure that fosters intra-regional trade, economic development, and integration in the South, unlocking new opportunities for growth and prosperity, especially in the coastline.
Frankly , I have thought of this before now and would have done the same if I were in this government's shoes.
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