Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Tinubu over changes to the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, saying the decision has raised fresh questions about the project’s cost, planning and funding.
In a statement by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku also demanded answers over intelligence about a proposed loan of up to $20 billion linked to highway payments and alleged pressure on lawmakers to approve it.
“Tinubu sold Nigerians a coastal highway. Now his Minister says parts of it will follow an existing road inland. That is not a minor adjustment to a drawing. It strikes at the promise used to sell this enormous project. When the route changes, the price must be opened. When the work changes, the payments must be explained.”
He questioned whether proper studies were conducted before the contract was awarded and demanded the release of the original and revised designs.
Atiku also asked how much had been paid, what work had been removed and what the new contract price would be. He alleged that lawmakers were threatened with the withdrawal of election campaign funds if they failed to approve the proposed loan quickly.
He urged the National Assembly to investigate the claims and demanded the publication of feasibility and environmental studies, route maps, contract changes, payment records, BPP approvals and borrowing proposals.
Atiku called for a public hearing before further funding is considered.
He promised that an Atiku administration would ensure transparent budgeting, independent audits and proper accounting for changes in project costs.
“Nigerians are not against roads. They are against secret bills for changing plans. Tinubu must show the route, show the accounts and show the loan request.
“Enough of grand announcements followed by expensive surprises. Tinubu must go.”
