AKURE, Nigeria – The Federal Government has dismissed former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s criticism of the N15.6 trillion Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, urging Nigerians to disregard his comments.
Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, made the statement during an interactive session on the project in Akure, Ondo State on Thursday, March 13, 2025.
Obasanjo, in chapter six of his new book, Nigeria: Past and Future, described the highway project as wasteful and corrupt.
He also criticised the Tinubu administration for spending N21 billion on a new official residence for Vice President Kashim Shettima, calling it a misplaced priority.
Responding to the criticism, Umahi defended the project, stating that it is one of President Bola 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.
The Minister emphasised the transparency of the project, noting that every step of the process has been made public.
“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,” Umahi stated.
He acknowledged Obasanjo’s status as a former president but insisted that the project is neither wasteful nor corrupt.
“The former president deserves our respect, but I must state that this project is neither wasteful nor corrupt,” Umahi said.
The Minister also suggested that critics might be envious of the administration’s accomplishments.
“Some people are waking up to realize that one man is being credited with such legacies, especially if they had the opportunity to contribute to similar investments but did not,” he added.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, a 700-kilometre road project, aims to connect Lagos to Calabar, boosting economic activities and improving transportation along the coastal region.
However, it has faced criticism over its cost and environmental impact.
