Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has challenged President Bola Tinubu to explain the decision to reroute sections of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway through an existing road. Atiku's statement follows an announcement by Minister of Works Dave Umahi that Tinubu had directed the highway to be rerouted through the existing East-West Road from Ondo State into Edo State. The decision has raised questions about the original project design, contract costs, and the government's plan to seek a fresh $20 billion loan linked to the project.
According to Umahi, the directive was intended to prevent the construction of a new alignment along the corridor. He cited flooding challenges along the road, particularly around the Ughelli axis in Delta State, as part of the considerations behind the decision. The existing road was constructed before the effects of climate change were adequately anticipated, and recent flooding has exposed its vulnerability. The government plans to raise sections of the road by about two meters above the existing level and anticipated flood levels.
Umahi defended the rerouting of sections of the coastal highway in Ondo State, saying the original alignment presented significant engineering challenges. The initial alignment passed through pits exceeding 100 meters in depth and areas where suitable sharp sand was unavailable for construction up to a depth of 300 meters. This would have significantly increased construction costs. The minister put the total length of the Ondo-Edo corridor, including the bypass, at 104 kilometers.
Atiku questioned whether the government had adequately studied the engineering and environmental conditions before awarding the contract. He demanded the publication of the original feasibility studies, revised designs, and other engineering documents to enable Nigerians to assess the changes. Atiku also asked how the rerouting would affect the contract price and disclose the amounts already paid for work on the original alignment.
The former Vice-President described the development as evidence of what he called Tinubu's "Yahoo-Yahoo" style of government, accusing the administration of making grand announcements, changing its promises, and leaving Nigerians to bear the financial consequences. Atiku linked the development to the removal of the petrol subsidy, arguing that Nigerians should not be made to bear the cost of another major government decision without adequate explanations.
Atiku raised concerns over reports that the Presidency was pressuring the National Assembly to approve a fresh $20 billion loan in connection with the highway project. He demanded that Tinubu clarify whether such a borrowing request was being prepared and whether any portion of the proposed funds would be allocated to Hitech, the contractor handling the project. Atiku also called for the publication of the proposed loan, the contracts it would finance, and records of payments already made.
Atiku insisted that the government must explain the financial implications of the revised alignment and provide documentary evidence to justify any additional borrowing. He said Tinubu should personally address the concerns, adding that Nigerians deserved transparency on the project's revised scope, cost, and financing. The developments have sparked a fresh controversy over the management of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project.
Key points
- Atiku Abubakar challenges President Bola Tinubu to explain the decision to reroute the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
- The government plans to seek a fresh $20 billion loan linked to the project.
- Atiku demands transparency on the project's revised scope, cost, and financing.
