Atiku to Tinubu: Disclose the Cost of Lagos-Calabar Highway Project

The Presidential candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the recent election, Atiku Abubakar, has challenged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reveal the full cost of the Lagos-Calabar highway project.

This comes amidst concerns about the allocation of ₦1.06 trillion for the first stage of the project, which represents only 6% of the overall budget.

In a statement released on April 9, 2024, Atiku emphasized the importance of transparency, particularly in light of Nigeria’s ongoing economic difficulties.

He urged the Tinubu administration to disclose the complete cost of the project, raising questions about the process of awarding the contract to Gilbert Chagoury’s Hitech without competitive bidding.

Additionally, Atiku questioned the allocation of ₦1.06 trillion for the initial phase of the project, which spans from Eko Atlantic to the Lekki Deep Sea Port.

He highlighted the need for clarity on several issues, including the total cost of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway, the involvement of the Nigerian government in funding the project despite it being a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), and the rationale behind the project starting at Eko Atlantic.

Furthermore, Atiku raised concerns about the lack of competitive bidding, the absence of National Assembly approval for the expenditure, and the speed at which the current administration obtained the design and right of way for the project.

He urged the Tinubu administration to comply with the Freedom of Information Act by addressing these questions directly, rather than resorting to insults to evade inquiries.

The call for transparency comes amid growing public interest in the Lagos-Calabar highway project, which is expected to have significant economic implications for Nigeria.

As the debate continues, the need for accountability and clarity on the project’s cost and process becomes increasingly vital.