Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has criticized the proposed Lagos-Calabar coastal highway, describing it as an unnecessary waste of national resources. Speaking on the project, the elder statesman questioned its economic viability and the rationale behind its implementation at a time when Nigeria is grappling with multiple infrastructural and economic challenges.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Naija247news gathered that Obasanjo expressed his concerns during a public event, where he highlighted the pressing need for the federal government to focus on more critical infrastructure rather than embarking on what he described as an extravagant venture. He argued that the Lagos-Calabar highway is not a priority and does not address the immediate needs of Nigerians.
Naija247news understands that the project, which is expected to run along Nigeria’s coastal corridor, has sparked widespread debate among stakeholders. While the federal government maintains that it will boost economic activities by improving connectivity between the South-West and South-South regions, critics, including Obasanjo, believe that resources allocated to the project could be better utilized in other sectors such as education, healthcare, and existing road networks that require urgent rehabilitation.
According to Naija247news, the former president pointed out that several road projects initiated during his administration remain incomplete due to inadequate funding and lack of proper planning. He warned that the Lagos-Calabar highway might suffer the same fate if due diligence is not observed. He also raised concerns about transparency in the award of the contract, urging the government to provide clarity on the funding and execution of the project.
Naija247news reports that the Minister of Works, David Umahi, had earlier defended the initiative, stating that it would drive economic growth, facilitate trade, and enhance tourism in coastal areas. However, Obasanjo remains unconvinced, arguing that the country’s limited resources should be directed toward more impactful infrastructural projects that will benefit a larger segment of the population.
With public opinion divided on the matter, analysts believe that the controversy surrounding the Lagos-Calabar highway could intensify in the coming months. While some view it as a transformative project with long-term economic benefits, others, like Obasanjo, insist that it represents a misplaced priority that could strain the nation’s already fragile finances.
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