Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has criticized the N15.6 trillion Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, labeling it as both wasteful and corrupt. In his recently released book, "Nigeria: Past and Future," Obasanjo also condemned the allocation of N21 billion for a new official residence for Vice President Kashim Shettima, deeming it a misplaced priority.
Obasanjo's critique extends to the broader issue of governance, where he asserts that such projects exemplify wastefulness, corruption, and misaligned priorities. He specifically highlighted the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road and the new Vice-President’s residence as instances where the administration has ignored public protests and proceeded with costly endeavors during economic hardship.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, a 700-kilometer project championed by Minister of Works David Umahi, is estimated to cost N4.93 billion per kilometer. The project has faced scrutiny due to its significant financial implications and the awarding process, which critics argue lacked competitive bidding.
Obasanjo's remarks have sparked discussions about fiscal responsibility and the prioritization of projects that align with the nation's economic realities. His observations call for a reevaluation of such large-scale expenditures, especially during periods of economic hardship.