Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway: Presidency Responds to Atiku’s Criticism

In a recent public statement, the former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, criticized the Bola Tinubu-led administration over the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project. The statement raised concerns over transparency and the project’s cost.

Responding to Atiku’s remarks, the Presidency, through Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Information and Strategy, stated that Atiku demonstrated a poor understanding of the project. The Presidency clarified that Atiku failed to distinguish between the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Rail.

Contrary to Atiku’s claims, the Presidency emphasized the economic impact and the transformative nature of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. It highlighted the project’s potential to boost agriculture and tourism economies along its route.

The Presidency criticized Atiku for engaging in what it called a “red-herring” tactic, suggesting that his allegations lacked substance and exposed his team’s inadequacies in gathering facts.

Furthermore, the Presidency clarified that the contract awarded by the Federal Executive Council was for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Rail, not the highway. It noted that the rail project had been on the agenda for years but was not initiated during the previous PDP-led government’s tenure.

President Tinubu was commended for initiating the transformative project, and Atiku was urged to refrain from divisive politics.

The Presidency also addressed Atiku’s query regarding the project’s starting point, stating that the decision was strategic for export-import flow around industrial zones.

Finally, the Presidency advised Atiku to seek accurate information before making statements and urged him to contribute positively to nation-building.

The response concluded by urging Atiku and his team to refrain from casting aspersions on President Tinubu and his government regarding the Lekki Concession Company, suggesting they gather accurate facts before making allegations.