Lagos-Calabar highway project wasteful, corrupt – Obasanjo

He also condemned the Bola Tinubu administration for allocating N21 billion to construct a new official residence for Vice President Kashim Shettima, describing it as a misplaced priority and a scheme to siphon public funds.

Obasanjo made these remarks in chapter six of his new book, *Nigeria: Past and Future*, where he analyzed the leadership traits of executives at both federal and state levels. The book was one of two new releases unveiled during his 88th birthday celebration last week.

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, had previously announced that the 700km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway would cost N4.93 billion per kilometer, explaining that the contract was awarded on a counterpart-funding basis rather than through a Public-Private Partnership.

So far, N1.06 trillion has been allocated for the pilot phase, which covers six percent of the project, starting from Eko Atlantic and ending at the Lekki Deep Sea Port.

Several prominent Nigerians, including Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, have questioned the Federal Government’s decision to award the contract to Hitech Construction Company—owned by Gilbert Chagoury, a longtime business associate of Tinubu—without competitive bidding.

Reflecting on Tinubu’s two years in office, Obasanjo expressed concerns that corruption and exploitation would persist, stating, “Everything is said to be transactional, and the slogan is ‘It is my turn to chop.’”

When contacted, Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga declined to respond to Obasanjo’s remarks.

The former president criticized many of Nigeria’s past and present leaders—including governors, ministers, and commissioners—accusing them of being unprepared for leadership, self-serving, and focused on personal enrichment while the nation remains in poverty and underdevelopment.

He further argued that many political office seekers borrow billions of naira to fund their campaigns, expecting to repay the loans using public funds once in power.

Citing an example, Obasanjo described a governor who owed banks billions before taking office but, within two years, cleared all debts despite his company not engaging in any business. By his second term, the governor had allegedly taken control of nearly half the state’s resources.

He also criticized the secrecy surrounding contract awards, agreements, and national asset sales, calling leaders who engage in such practices unfit for office.

Obasanjo pointed to the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project and the N21 billion vice-presidential residence as prime examples of waste, corruption, and poor governance.

He lamented that despite widespread criticism, the President had ignored concerns over these expenditures, labeling such decisions as “the work of small minds.”

To address governance challenges, he suggested re-evaluating Western liberal democracy, arguing that it has not effectively served Africa.

He proposed the development of Afrodemocracy—a governance system tailored to African history, culture, and values—along with an African people’s constitution to better serve the continent’s needs.