Presidency Responds to Atiku’s Allegations on Lagos-Calabar Highway Project

The Presidency has responded to claims made by the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, regarding the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project.

Atiku had accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of prioritizing personal business interests over Nigerian infrastructure development.

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, dismissed the allegations as “erroneous and irresponsible.”

Onanuga clarified that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project was never awarded by the previous administrations of Goodluck Jonathan or Muhammadu Buhari, as claimed by Atiku.

He emphasized that the project is a new initiative aimed at improving transportation infrastructure in the country.

Furthermore, Onanuga explained that the cost comparison made by Atiku was unfounded, as the rail line project from Lagos to Calabar was not related to the coastal road project.

He highlighted the potential benefits of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road, which would significantly reduce travel time between the two cities and improve overall connectivity in the region.

The Presidency also stressed that the project is being carried out in phases, with the first phase recently approved by the Federal Executive Council.

Subsequent phases will be approved as the project progresses. Onanuga questioned the criticism of the project and emphasized the importance of taking the first step in a long journey towards development.

The response from the Presidency aims to clarify the facts surrounding the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project and defend the administration’s commitment to infrastructure development in Nigeria.