The Federal Government has responded to former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s criticism of the N15.6 trillion Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, urging Nigerians to disregard his remarks.
Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, addressed the issue in Akure, Ondo State, during an interactive session about the project. He defended the initiative, describing it as a major part of President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s efforts to improve infrastructure.
Obasanjo, in chapter six of his new book Nigeria: Past and Future, described the highway project as wasteful and corrupt. He also questioned the government’s decision to spend N21 billion on a new official residence for Vice President Kashim Shettima, calling it a misplaced priority.
In reaction, Umahi stated that critics of the project were free not to use the road once it was completed.
“This Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is one of President Tinubu’s four legacy projects. For those saying it is a waste of resources, they should not use the road when it is completed,” he said.
Umahi also rejected claims that the project was fraudulent. “If someone calls this project fraudulent, they are also calling me a fraud, and I am definitely not. This project has been very transparent, and we continue to engage stakeholders. Every step of the process is in the public domain,” he stated.
He noted that it was his responsibility as Minister of Works to clear any misconceptions about the project. “The former president deserves our respect, but I must state that this project is neither wasteful nor corrupt,” he said.
According to Umahi, some critics may be envious of the administration’s achievements, especially if they had similar opportunities in the past but failed to take them.
During his visit, Umahi also provided updates on federal road projects in Ondo State. He expressed gratitude for the state’s support and assured that all ongoing projects would receive necessary attention. He further promised federal intervention in the Aiyetoro shoreline protection project to help address the challenges faced by coastal communities.
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, also spoke at the event, praising President Tinubu for increasing federal infrastructure projects in the state. He listed several projects, including the Ore-Ondo-Akure dualization, the federal teaching hospital, and the new aviation school.
“We have not had it this good in recent times with federal projects in our state. Some of these include the Akure-Ore Dual Carriageway, the Akure-Ado Ekiti Dual Carriageway, and the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway,” Aiyedatiwa said.
The governor stressed the economic benefits of completing these projects and called for more federal support for initiatives such as the Ondo Deep Sea Port and the Ayetoro sea incursion mitigation.
“We are resolute in our commitment to ensuring these projects are completed for the benefit of our people. The Ondo State Government pledges its full support towards their realization,” he assured.
