Peter Obi, the Labour Party Presidential Candidate in the 2023 general election, has once again expressed deep concern over the Federal Government’s decision to proceed with the Coastal Highway Project amidst growing poverty and hunger across the nation.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Obi reiterated his earlier criticism of the initiation of the multi-trillion-naira Lagos-Calabar Coastal highway, emphasizing the urgency for compassionate and reasoned public policy decisions, especially in times of widespread economic hardship.
“The commencement of the controversial Lagos-Calabar Coastal highway project, despite overwhelming public outcry, is deeply troubling,” Obi stated. “The recent reports of demolition along the project’s designated right of way in Lagos are particularly distressing. Livelihoods are being destroyed, investments wiped away, and jobs lost as bulldozers dismantle communities.”
Highlighting the imminent loss of thousands of jobs and investments totaling over $200 million, Obi underscored the project’s detrimental impact on both urban and rural economies. He emphasized that such initiatives exacerbate unemployment in a country already grappling with economic challenges.
Moreover, Obi questioned the government’s prioritization of the Coastal Highway Project over essential national needs, such as improving existing highways, enhancing security, bolstering healthcare, and addressing education disparities.
“At a time when basic necessities are beyond the reach of most Nigerians, embarking on extravagant projects is not only irresponsible but also unjustifiable,” Obi remarked. “We cannot afford to neglect urgent priorities in favor of grandiose undertakings.”
Citing the plethora of abandoned federal highway projects scattered across the country, Obi urged the government to reconsider its focus and allocate resources to areas that directly impact citizens’ lives.
“It is imperative for the government to reassess its priorities and redirect its efforts towards addressing the pressing needs of our nation,” Obi concluded. “I vehemently oppose the continuation of the Lagos-Calabar highway project and call for a reevaluation of our national development agenda in alignment with the urgent challenges we face.”
