Ex-SGF, Babachir Lawal, labels Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project a ‘scam’

5 hours ago 2

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, has launched a scathing critique of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, branding its high-profile Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project a “scam” and accusing the government of failing to deliver tangible development to Nigerians.

Lawal made the remarks during an appearance on Inside Sources with Laolu Akande, broadcast on Channels Television on Friday. He expressed disappointment in what he described as the lack of visible infrastructure projects, particularly in the northern and southwestern regions of the country.

“If you ask me what projects this government has implemented so far that are visible and impactful to Nigerians, I cannot identify any,” he said. “In northern Nigeria, where I frequently travel, there is no road under construction or rehabilitation. The same applies to the South-West. They are still talking about the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, an endless talking point for successive governments.”

He was particularly critical of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project, which he described as “a scam from inception.”

“Even before they began, we knew it would amount to nothing. Every Nigerian knows it’s a scam. And now, it has become exactly that,” he said.

READ ALSO: Jonathan alleges Buhari’s govt harassed his team members after 2015 election

Lawal also condemned the government’s borrowing practices, questioning the prudence and transparency of securing foreign loans without demonstrable outcomes.

“You borrow money from Europe, and before it arrives, it’s spent abroad. What can Nigerians see? What’s on the ground?” he asked. “The President commissions just 30 kilometres of a 700-kilometre road, and even that is riddled with controversy. So, what are they doing with our money?”

In May 2024, President Tinubu inaugurated the first phase of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road, a 30-kilometre stretch from Ahmadu Bello Way to the Eleko Village area in Lagos. The full 700-kilometre project is estimated to cost ₦15 trillion. Just weeks after the commissioning, the Federal Government secured a $747 million loan to support the project, a decision that has drawn widespread backlash.

The project has come under fire from opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, who have questioned the transparency, priority, and scale of the initiative. Critics argue that the road is a luxury the country cannot afford amid worsening economic conditions and widespread infrastructure decay elsewhere.

In addition to political opposition, the project has sparked legal and compensation disputes. Property owners whose homes and businesses were demolished to make way for the road have staged protests and are demanding adequate compensation from the Federal Government.

Despite mounting criticism, the Tinubu administration has maintained that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road is a critical infrastructure investment that will yield long-term economic benefits.

In December 2024, Minister of Works David Umahi defended the project during a meeting with the Senate Committee on Works.

“When people stop the suspicion and digest the coastal road project very well, they will know it’s a catalyst for the growth of every state in this country,” Umahi said.

The post Ex-SGF, Babachir Lawal, labels Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project a ‘scam’ appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from Ripples Nigeria.

Read Entire Article
All trademarks and copyrights on this page are owned by their respective owners Copyright © 2024. Naijasurenews.com - All rights reserved - info@naijasurenews.com -FOR ADVERT -Whatsapp +234 9029467326 -Owned by Gimo Internet Tech.