Atiku Abubakar, the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, has denounced the proposed 700km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project as a potential avenue for corruption and mismanagement. He strongly criticized Works Minister Dave Umahi’s assertion that the project could cost approximately N15.6 trillion, describing it as exorbitant and lacking transparency.
Atiku raised concerns over the initial awarding of the contract to Gilbert Chagoury’s Hitech company without competitive bidding, highlighting Umahi’s contradictory statements regarding the project’s funding and implementation. He emphasized the need for proper due process and transparency in such major infrastructure projects.
The former Vice President also questioned the feasibility of the project’s financing, pointing out that the proposed cost exceeds the combined budgets of all 36 states in the federation. He urged for accountability and oversight from the National Assembly, criticizing their failure to scrutinize the project’s details earlier.
Atiku further challenged Umahi’s claim that only Hitech was capable of executing the project, citing examples of reputable firms globally that have undertaken similar endeavors. He called for a thorough investigation into the project’s procurement process and financial arrangements to ensure public funds are used efficiently and effectively.
The press release, issued by the Atiku Media Office in Abuja, underscored Atiku’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and responsible governance. It called for greater scrutiny and oversight of government projects to prevent wasteful spending and corruption.
