Obasanjo Slams Tinubu Govt, Calls Lagos-Calabar Highway Project Wasteful

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has criticized the Tinubu administration, describing the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project as wasteful. Read more on his concerns and government’s response.

Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has criticized the Lagos-Calabar Highway project undertaken by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

The ex-president described the project, projected to cost N15.6 trillion upon completion, as both wasteful and corrupt.

He also criticized the construction of the Vice President’s official residence, priced at N21 billion, as being wasteful.

In chapter six of his new book, ‘Nigeria: Past and Future,’ the former Nigerian leader revealed that leaders in Nigeria primarily assume power with intentions to engage in corruption and self-enrichment.

He mentioned, “Everything is described as transactional and the motto seems to be ‘It’s my turn to benefit.’”

Examples of waste, corruption, and misplaced priorities include the ambiguous Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project, which the President ignored despite protests, as well as the newly constructed Vice-President’s official residence costing N21bn during an economic downturn. These initiatives were intended to demonstrate a proactive administration and highlight the significance of the Vice-President’s office—how shortsighted!

In the meantime, Bayo Onanuga, spokesperson for President Tinubu, has not yet responded to Obasanjo’s recent criticism of his principal.

Remember that the Lagos-Calabar Highway and the construction of the new Vice President’s residence had generated significant controversy among Nigerians.

Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party’s presidential candidate for the 2023 election, also voiced concerns about the project and called for its suspension.

Nonetheless, Tinubu’s administration had supported the projects.

The Minister of Work, Dave Umahi, has repeatedly defended the project on various occasions.

He recently announced that by May 2025, 30 kilometers of the total 70 kilometers for Phase 1, Section 1 of the Lagos-Calabar Highway will be completed.

The Lagos-Calabar Highway project commenced in March of the previous year.