Lagos-Calabar Highway project is Tinubu’s personal business – Atiku

The former Vice President and 2023 PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has strongly criticized the manner in which the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project has been handled, accusing President Bola Tinubu of prioritizing personal business interests over national welfare.

In a statement released by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku condemned the lack of proper notification regarding the demolition of properties in the Oniru corridor, including parts of Lagos State’s landmarks and recreational attractions, to make way for the Coastal Highway.

He argued that this hasty approach to development has contributed to Nigeria’s failure to attract foreign direct investment.

Atiku asserted that the project’s expedited progress is solely due to the business relationship between Tinubu and Gilbert Chagoury, the owner of Hitech, the contractor awarded the project, allegedly in contravention of procurement regulations.

He highlighted a conflict of interest, pointing out the involvement of Tinubu’s son and associates on the boards of companies owned by Chagoury.

Moreover, Atiku criticized the lack of competitive bidding for the project, which he described as the most expensive single project undertaken by the Nigerian government. He emphasized that its execution during Nigeria’s economic downturn is a cause for concern.

“The fact that President Bola Tinubu’s son and his surrogates are on the board of companies owned by Gilbert Chagoury constitutes a conflict of interest.”

“The former Vice President restated that it has become obvious even to the undiscerning that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is being done in a hurry purely because of the business relationship between Tinubu and Gilbert Chagoury, the owner of Hitech, the contractor that was awarded the contract for the highway project in contravention of the procurement laws. It is on record that this project is the most expensive single project ever embarked upon by the Nigerian government.”

The former VP lamented the demolition of properties without adequate notice, which he believes deters foreign investors due to perceived risks to their investments. He accused Tinubu’s administration of prioritizing personal interests over national welfare, thereby hindering the ease of doing business.

“Atiku said the demolition of tourist and recreational facilities and other properties within the Oniru corridor, including parts of Landmark, without ample notice, is one of the reasons foreign direct investments continue to elude the country.”