Lagos-Calabar coastal highway is a ‘scam’ – Babachir Lawal Alleges

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, has lashed out at President Bola Tinubu’s administration over its handling of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project, calling it a “scam” and questioning the government’s commitment to delivering tangible benefits to Nigerians.

Speaking on Inside Sources with Laolu Akande, aired on Channels Television on Friday, July 11, Lawal expressed frustration with what he described as a lack of visible, impactful projects by the Tinubu government. He criticised the administration for not undertaking substantial infrastructure developments across the country.

“If you ask me, ‘What projects has this government implemented so far that are visible to Nigerians and have impacted their lives?’ I cannot see any,” Lawal said. “At least in northern Nigeria, where I am a frequent traveller, for example, I don’t see any road that they are constructing or rehabilitating. In the South-West, I don’t think there is any.”

He added, “They are still talking about the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, which it appears every government talks about and votes money for, and it never goes anywhere. Their so-called coastal road is just a scam. Every Nigerian knows it is a scam. Even before they started, we knew it would be a scam, and it has become a scam.”

President Tinubu had in May commissioned the first 30-kilometre phase of the project, stretching from Ahmadu Bello Way to Eleko Village in the Lekki Peninsula. Shortly after, the Federal Government secured a $747 million loan to fund the larger 700-kilometre project, which has an estimated total cost of ₦15 trillion.

Lawal, however, argued that there was little to show for the borrowings, raising concerns about the government’s financial transparency and spending priorities. “You borrow money from Europe, and before it comes, it is spent over there. So, I don’t understand. What can Nigerians see?” he said. “It has become such that the President can go and commission 30 kilometres of a 700km road — which has even become a source of controversy. So, what are they doing with our money?”

The coastal highway project has been a magnet for criticism from both political figures and displaced property owners. Prominent opposition leaders such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s Peter Obi have voiced strong objections, particularly over the financing and execution of the project.

Property owners affected by the road’s construction have also raised protests, demanding adequate compensation for demolished structures.

Despite the backlash, the Federal Government has continued to defend the project, insisting that it is a strategic investment in national development. Minister of Works Dave Umahi stated, “When people stop the suspicion and digest the coastal road project very well, they will know it’s a catalyst for the growth of every state in this country.”

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, has lashed out at President Bola Tinubu’s administration over its handling of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project, calling it a “scam” and questioning the government’s commitment to delivering tangible benefits to Nigerians.

Speaking on Inside Sources with Laolu Akande, aired on Channels Television on Friday, July 11, Lawal expressed frustration with what he described as a lack of visible, impactful projects by the Tinubu government. He criticised the administration for not undertaking substantial infrastructure developments across the country.

“If you ask me, ‘What projects has this government implemented so far that are visible to Nigerians and have impacted their lives?’ I cannot see any,” Lawal said. “At least in northern Nigeria, where I am a frequent traveller, for example, I don’t see any road that they are constructing or rehabilitating. In the South-West, I don’t think there is any.”

He added, “They are still talking about the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, which it appears every government talks about and votes money for, and it never goes anywhere. Their so-called coastal road is just a scam. Every Nigerian knows it is a scam. Even before they started, we knew it would be a scam, and it has become a scam.”

President Tinubu had in May commissioned the first 30-kilometre phase of the project, stretching from Ahmadu Bello Way to Eleko Village in the Lekki Peninsula. Shortly after, the Federal Government secured a $747 million loan to fund the larger 700-kilometre project, which has an estimated total cost of ₦15 trillion.

Lawal, however, argued that there was little to show for the borrowings, raising concerns about the government’s financial transparency and spending priorities. “You borrow money from Europe, and before it comes, it is spent over there. So, I don’t understand. What can Nigerians see?” he said. “It has become such that the President can go and commission 30 kilometres of a 700km road — which has even become a source of controversy. So, what are they doing with our money?”

The coastal highway project has been a magnet for criticism from both political figures and displaced property owners. Prominent opposition leaders such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s Peter Obi have voiced strong objections, particularly over the financing and execution of the project.

Property owners affected by the road’s construction have also raised protests, demanding adequate compensation for demolished structures.

Despite the backlash, the Federal Government has continued to defend the project, insisting that it is a strategic investment in national development. Minister of Works Dave Umahi stated, “When people stop the suspicion and digest the coastal road project very well, they will know it’s a catalyst for the growth of every state in this country.”

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