OLagos, Nigeria – March 13, 2025 – Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has strongly criticized the N15.6 trillion Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, calling it a wasteful and corrupt venture that serves the interests of a few rather than the Nigerian people.
In his newly released book, Nigeria: Past and Future, Obasanjo also condemned the N21 billion official residence for Vice President Kashim Shettima, describing it as a misplaced priority and a conduit for embezzlement. The book, which was unveiled to mark his 88th birthday, provides a critical assessment of Nigeria’s political leadership at both the federal and state levels.
Questioning the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Project
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, spanning 700km, was awarded at a cost of N4.93 billion per kilometre, according to the Minister of Works, David Umahi. The contract, however, has sparked widespread controversy, with critics questioning its transparency. Atiku Abubakar, former vice president and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has joined other voices in challenging the decision to award the project to Hitech Construction Company, owned by Gilbert Chagoury, without a competitive bidding process.
Chagoury, a longtime business associate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has faced scrutiny over his involvement in several high-profile projects. Obasanjo’s critique suggests that the project is more about personal gains than national interest.
So far, N1.06 trillion has been allocated for the pilot phase, which is just six percent of the entire project. This phase is set to begin at Eko Atlantic and end at the Lekki Deep Sea Port.
A Leadership Plagued by Corruption
Obasanjo did not hold back in his assessment of the Tinubu administration, accusing it of fostering a culture of corruption and self-enrichment. He argued that many Nigerian leaders, from the presidency down to local governments, assume office with the primary intention of looting public funds.
“Everything is transactional, and the slogan is ‘It is my turn to chop,’” he wrote, implying that Tinubu’s leadership has done little to curb financial mismanagement.
The former president also pointed out the trend of indebted politicians suddenly becoming wealthy after assuming office, using state resources to clear personal debts.
“How do you explain a situation where a governor, heavily indebted before taking office, clears his billions in debt within two years without engaging in any known business? Clearly, the money comes from public funds,” he stated.
A Call for Accountability
Obasanjo also lamented that state resources are frequently hijacked by leaders who distribute small sums to staff and associates to prevent whistleblowing. He condemned governors, ministers, and commissioners who manipulate contracts, sign questionable agreements, and mismanage public assets, leaving Nigeria in perpetual economic hardship.
On the controversial N21 billion vice-presidential residence, Obasanjo questioned the government’s priorities, saying:
“At a time of severe economic hardship, the administration justifies this expense as a symbol of efficiency. What small minds!”
A New Democratic Model for Africa
Beyond his critique of leadership failures, Obasanjo proposed a rethinking of Nigeria’s governance system, arguing that Western liberal democracy is failing the country.
“If even the West is complaining that their own democracy is not working well for them, should we not be wise enough to explore an alternative that reflects African realities?”
He suggested adopting what he termed “Afrodemocracy”, a system that aligns with African culture, history, and values while addressing the shortcomings of Western democratic models.
“From Afrodemocracy, we can develop an African people’s constitution that better serves our continent. It’s time we looked inward for solutions rather than continuing to replicate a flawed system.”
Presidency Silent on Criticism
When contacted, Presidential Spokesperson Bayo Onanuga declined to comment on Obasanjo’s damning assessment of the administration.
With the Lagos-Calabar project and other controversial decisions dominating public discourse, Obasanjo’s remarks have further fueled debates over the integrity and direction of Nigeria’s leadership. His insights serve as a stark warning about the unchecked abuse of power and the urgent need for reform in governance and economic management.
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