The Federal Government has dismissed former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s criticism of the N15.6 trillion Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, urging Nigerians to disregard his comments. Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, made this statement during a session in Akure, Ondo State. Obasanjo, in his book “Nigeria: Past and Future,” labeled the highway project as wasteful and corrupt, while also criticizing the Tinubu administration for prioritizing a N21 billion residence for Vice President Kashim Shettima.
In response, Umahi stated that critics should choose not to use the highway once it’s completed, highlighting that the project is one of President Tinubu’s four key initiatives. He defended the project’s transparency, asserting that allegations of fraud are unfounded and that all processes are accessible to the public.
Umahi stressed the importance of addressing misconceptions about the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, stating, “The former president deserves our respect, but this project is neither wasteful nor corrupt.” He suggested that some critics may be envious of the administration’s achievements, noting, “Some people are realizing that one individual is being recognized for such legacies, particularly if they had opportunities to contribute but did not.”
During an update on the project in Ondo State, Umahi expressed gratitude for the state’s support and promised prompt attention to all federal road projects there, including intervention for the Aiyetoro shoreline protection project. Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed his commitment to successfully executing federal projects in the state and praised President Tinubu for enhancing federal infrastructure, citing developments like the dualization of the Ore-Ondo-Akure road, a federal teaching hospital, and a new aviation school.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa highlighted the positive developments in federal projects within Ondo State, noting initiatives such as the Akure-Ore Dual Carriageway, the Akure-Ado Ekiti Dual Carriageway, and the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. He emphasized the economic significance of completing these projects and called for further federal assistance for vital initiatives like the Ondo Deep Sea Port and measures against sea incursion in Aiyetoro.
Aiyedatiwa assured that the Ondo State Government is fully committed to supporting the completion of these projects for the benefit of the community.