Babachir Lawal, the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), has voiced strong criticism against one of President Bola Tinubu's major initiatives, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road. He labeled it a "scam" and accused his administration of not serving the interests of the people effectively.
Lawal mentioned this while appearing on Inside Sources with Laolu Akande, which was broadcasted on Channels Television on Friday.
In my opinion, when asked about the projects this government has implemented that are evident to Nigerians and have significantly affected their lives, I can't identify any. For instance, in northern Nigeria where I frequently travel, I'm not aware of any roads being constructed or rehabilitated. Similarly, in the South-West region, there don't appear to be any such developments either.
"They're still discussing the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway—a project that seems to be highlighted and funded by every government yet never progresses. The so-called coastal road is nothing but a hoax. Every Nigerian recognizes it's a fraud; we anticipated it even before it began, and now it's proven to be just that," he remarked.
In May, President Tinubu inaugurated the initial phase of a project, spanning 30 kilometers from Ahmadu Bello Way to Eleko Village Area on the Lekki Peninsula.
Less than two months later, the Federal Government obtained a $747 million loan to fund the 700km road project. This decision has sparked criticism among Nigerians, particularly from opposition figures who have accused the Tinubu administration of engaging in excessive borrowing without delivering visible outcomes.
Lawal is one of the opponents of the borrowing, contending that the government lacks substantial projects to justify incurring such debts.
He remarked, "When you borrow money from Europe, it gets spent there even before it arrives here. So, I don't get it—what do Nigerians really gain?"
It has reached a point where the President can inaugurate just 30 kilometers of a planned 700km road, which itself is now controversial. So how are they using our funds?
The highway construction, with an estimated cost of ₦15 trillion, has faced significant criticism from opposition figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, the Labour Party's presidential candidate in the 2023 election.
Property owners, whose buildings were demolished for the road project, have also protested against the government. They are demanding fair compensation from the Federal Government.
Although the project has faced criticism, the Tinubu administration has stood by it, asserting that it represents a strategic investment intended to boost economic growth.
"In December, after a session with the Senate Committee on Works, Umahi stated that once people overcome their suspicions and fully understand the coastal road project, they will recognize it as a catalyst for growth in every state of this country."
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