OTTA, Nigeria – Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has criticised the N15.6 trillion Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project and the N21 billion official residence for Vice-President Kashim Shettima as examples of wasteful spending and misplaced priorities.
The remarks were made in chapter six of his new book, Nigeria: Past and Future, unveiled last week to mark his 88th birthday.
Obasanjo accused the President Bola Tinubu administration of perpetuating a culture of “transactional” governance, where state resources are “captured and appropriated” for personal gain.
He described the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway as a “murky” project, citing widespread protests and concerns over its feasibility and cost.
“Typical examples of waste, corruption, and misplaced priority are the murky Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road on which the President had turned deaf ears to protests and the new Vice-President’s official residence built at a cost of N21 billion in the time of economic hardship,” Obasanjo wrote.
He further criticised the government’s priorities, stating, “What small minds! State resources are captured and appropriated, with a pittance to staff and associates to silence whistleblowers.”
Obasanjo also took aim at Nigerian leaders across all levels of government, including governors, presidents, ministers, commissioners, and local government chairmen.
He accused many of being ill-prepared, self-centred, and focused on enriching themselves and their cronies at the expense of the nation.
“Many clamouring to lead are only interested in using their offices to enrich themselves and their cronies, leaving the country worse off,” he wrote.
The former president reiterated his long-standing critique of Western liberal democracy, arguing that it may not be the best fit for Africa.
He called for a system of governance rooted in African history, culture, and values, which he termed “Afrodemocracy.”
“We should seek democracy within African history, culture, attributes, and characteristics, one that will take necessary African factors into consideration.
Until we can get a better word or description for it, let us call it Afrodemocracy,” Obasanjo said.
The Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project, which aims to connect Lagos to Calabar through a 700-kilometre coastal route, has faced criticism over its cost and environmental impact.
Similarly, the construction of a new official residence for Vice-President Shettima has been questioned amid Nigeria’s economic challenges, including rising inflation and widespread poverty.
