In the aftermath of the 2023 general election, Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate representing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has issued a bold challenge to President Bola Tinubu regarding the transparency of the Lagos-Calabar highway project.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Atiku questioned the silence of the Tinubu administration concerning the full financial details of the project, especially amid Nigeria’s ongoing economic struggles. The Minister of Works, David Umahi, had disclosed aspects of the project recently, prompting Atiku to raise concerns about the lack of competitive bidding in awarding the contract to Gilbert Chagoury’s Hitech company.
Atiku’s queries include the total cost of the coastal highway, the rationale behind government funding for a project designated as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), and the commencement point at Chagoury’s Eko Atlantic. He also questioned the significant allocation of funds (N1.06tn) for the pilot phase covering only 47km, the absence of National Assembly approval for the expenditure, and the absence of a competitive bidding process.
Atiku urged the Tinubu administration to address these concerns transparently, invoking the Freedom of Information Act. He criticized their tendency to respond with insults rather than substantive answers.
In response, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, accused Atiku of misrepresentation and attempting to undermine the transformative nature of the project for political gain. He urged Atiku to verify his facts before making assertions.
The exchange highlights the ongoing political discourse surrounding infrastructure projects and the demand for accountability in Nigeria’s governance.
