The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has criticised former President Olusegun Obasanjo over his comments branding the N15.6 trillion Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project as wasteful and corrupt.
Umahi, while inspecting the project on Saturday, maintained that the initiative is built on transparency and is corruption-free.
Describing Obasanjo as a father figure, Umahi stated: “When I was governor, he commended my transparency and achievements. If a father suddenly says his son is corrupt, the son has the right to refute it. If a father claims his son is corrupt, maybe the son learned it from him. But in this case, there is no corruption. Everything about this project is transparent.”
Defending the project, Umahi stressed that accusations of corruption should not be directed at President Bola Tinubu but at him as the minister in charge.
“I did the figures, and it is an open and transparent process. Anyone can verify the numbers. You can’t just shout corruption without proof,” he said.
Comparing past projects, Umahi referenced Nigeria’s power sector privatisation, stating that it has led to inefficiencies, burdening the government with subsidies.
He urged critics to focus on the benefits of the Lagos-Calabar Highway rather than dismissing it as wasteful.
“Some critics suggest that I said those who oppose the project should not use the road. I never said that about the former president. However, if he believes the road is unnecessary, he has the choice not to use it,” Umahi stated.
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He added that once completed, the road would significantly reduce travel time, making a trip from Lagos to Calabar possible in just five hours.
The minister questioned why the Lagos-Calabar project was being singled out when other major infrastructure projects exist.
He emphasised its strategic importance, highlighting its connections to existing routes, deep-sea ports, and major industrial zones like the Lekki Free Zone and Dangote Refinery.
“This project is not just a road; it is an investment. It will serve as an evacuation corridor for industries, reduce transshipment costs, and generate carbon credits through concrete pavement and solar lighting. Additionally, it includes provisions for windmill energy and a railway track at its centre, linking key economic hubs. So, how is it wasteful?” Umahi asked.
He reiterated his respect for Obasanjo but insisted that leaders should emulate past presidents like Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari, who, after leaving office, provided constructive advice rather than outright criticism.
“When you call a project ‘wasteful,’ define what you mean. Is it wasteful because it benefits the people? Because it connects industries? Because it reduces travel time? Because it generates economic value? If you claim corruption, provide evidence,” he stated.
