The Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, has strongly dismissed former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s criticism of the ongoing Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project, calling the claims of wastefulness and corruption unfounded.
Umahi, speaking at a press briefing on the project’s progress, accused Obasanjo of lacking the moral authority to criticize the ambitious infrastructure initiative championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Obasanjo, in his recently released book Nigeria: Past and Future, had described the N15.6 trillion coastal highway project as wasteful, linking it to alleged corrupt practices and referencing past government projects like the Siemens power project and the privatization of national assets during his administration from 1999 to 2007.
Responding to these claims, Umahi drew a sharp contrast between the Lagos-Calabar project and the privatization scandals of the Obasanjo era, describing the former president’s tenure as one marked by wasteful dealings that failed to translate into tangible national benefits.
The minister stated that Obasanjo’s comments on the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway, which he estimated would cost over $11 billion to complete, were disconnected from the country’s current economic realities.
The Lagos-Calabar coastal highway, Umahi emphasized, is one of the largest infrastructure projects currently underway in Nigeria, with an innovative concrete pavement designed to outlast the asphalt roads prone to frequent destruction.
Umahi stressed that the completion of the road would not only enhance tourism and industrial growth but also improve connectivity across major commercial centers, providing significant economic benefits for the nation.
He also pointed out that the project would open evacuation corridors for key national assets such as the Dangote Refinery and the deep sea ports, strengthening the country’s infrastructure network.
“It is natural for people to criticize,” Umahi remarked, acknowledging public concerns about the project. However, he assured Nigerians that the roadwork was already 70% complete and would deliver long-term prosperity to the country.
He also emphasized the importance of the road in connecting existing roads and improving the nation’s logistics network.
In his response to Obasanjo’s criticism, Umahi suggested the former president should focus on writing biographies and memoirs instead of attempting to undermine bold infrastructural projects like the Lagos-Calabar road that he himself failed to implement during his eight years in office.
He also lauded President Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to infrastructure development, which he said had elicited envy and anger from political rivals.
“We commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for pushing forward such monumental projects. It’s clear that no one has been able to achieve what he’s doing now, and that is why those who failed in their time are jealous of his progress,” Umahi said.
The minister further assured that the first section of the coastal highway would be completed by next year, adding that his ministry would continue to provide the necessary support to ensure the success of the project and other ongoing infrastructural initiatives in the country.
“We are resolute in our commitment to ensuring that these projects are completed for the benefit of our people,” Umahi concluded, reiterating the government’s dedication to improving Nigeria’s infrastructure for sustained economic growth.
Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
