Former lawmaker and activist, Shehu Sani, has come to the defence of the controversial Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project, which has recently faced criticism from former President Olusegun Obasanjo. Sani, who represented Kaduna Central in the National Assembly, argued that the N15.6 trillion project is not wasteful, suggesting instead that the funds for such an ambitious infrastructure plan could have been misappropriated or stolen in the past, as seen with previous government financial scandals.
The Lagos-Calabar coastal highway, one of the largest infrastructure projects in Nigeria’s history, has been the subject of heated debates since it was first proposed. The project aims to construct a 1,500-kilometer coastal highway that will connect Lagos in the west to Calabar in the southeast, passing through multiple states and enhancing economic connectivity, particularly for the Niger Delta region. However, the project’s massive cost and its potential environmental impact have raised concerns among critics, with some questioning its practicality and necessity given the current state of Nigeria’s economy.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who unveiled his new book Nigeria: Past and Future to mark his 88th birthday, has been particularly vocal in his criticism of the Lagos-Calabar highway. In chapter six of the book, Obasanjo described the highway as a “wasteful” and “corrupt” project. The former president argued that such a huge investment could have been better spent on other national priorities, especially considering Nigeria’s ongoing economic challenges.
Obasanjo also pointed to another controversial expenditure under President Bola Tinubu’s administration—the construction of a new official residence for Vice-President Kashim Shettima, which cost a reported N21 billion. He criticized the timing of such spending, suggesting that it showcased misplaced priorities at a time when millions of Nigerians are grappling with poverty and economic hardship.
“State resources are captured and appropriated, with a pittance to staff and associates to silence whistleblowers,” Obasanjo wrote in his book. He further called the Lagos-Calabar coastal road project a “murky” venture, one that had ignored public protests against its funding, and suggested that the focus of the current administration was on showcasing the importance of the Vice President’s office through excessive spending on his new residence.
In response to Obasanjo’s comments, Shehu Sani took to social media to defend the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project. The former senator, known for his outspoken views, disagreed with the former president’s characterization of the project as wasteful.
Sani argued that such a massive infrastructure project, despite its high cost, could have been an opportunity for financial mismanagement or theft in previous governments, pointing to past scandals like the alleged looting that occurred under the leadership of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele.
He wrote on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, “I don’t think the Lagos-Calabar highway is wasteful, taking cognizance that such amount of money for the project can be stolen by one man, as it happened in the CBN in the past.” With this statement, Sani seemed to suggest that while the cost of the highway is high, it could be a better use of public funds than allowing the money to be misappropriated or stolen.
For Sani, the project represents a significant step toward improving Nigeria’s infrastructure and addressing longstanding transportation challenges. The Lagos-Calabar highway is expected to create jobs, boost economic growth, and enhance regional development, particularly for areas in the Niger Delta that have historically suffered from poor infrastructure and underdevelopment.
The debate over the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway reflects a broader issue in Nigerian politics—balancing the need for large-scale infrastructure projects with the country’s harsh economic realities. Nigeria is facing numerous challenges, including a struggling economy, high inflation, and rising poverty rates. Critics argue that the government should focus on more urgent issues, such as poverty alleviation, healthcare, and education, rather than embarking on grandiose projects that may not deliver immediate benefits to the average Nigerian.
However, proponents of major infrastructure projects, like the Lagos-Calabar highway, point out that large-scale investments in transportation networks are crucial for long-term economic growth. In a country as vast as Nigeria, with a rapidly growing population, improved infrastructure can open up new markets, facilitate trade, and create employment opportunities for millions.
The Lagos-Calabar coastal highway, once completed, would connect critical regions in Nigeria, improving access to ports, agricultural areas, and other key economic zones. It could also attract foreign investment and help to unlock the economic potential of the Niger Delta region, which is home to some of Nigeria’s most valuable natural resources.
Despite the potential benefits, the project has raised concerns about its environmental impact and the overall cost. The N15.6 trillion price tag has been a significant point of contention, with critics questioning whether it is a wise allocation of resources given the current economic climate. Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit is vast, and many believe that funds could be better spent on repairing existing roads, improving public transport systems, or addressing the country’s energy crisis.
Environmental groups have also raised concerns about the potential damage the coastal highway could cause to fragile ecosystems along the Niger Delta and other coastal regions. With climate change and environmental degradation already major issues in Nigeria, there are fears that large-scale construction projects like this could exacerbate the country’s environmental problems.
The disagreement between Shehu Sani and Olusegun Obasanjo reflects the broader divide in Nigerian politics when it comes to prioritizing national projects. While some see the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway as a vital investment in Nigeria’s future, others view it as an unnecessary expense that could drain public resources and fuel corruption.
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether the project will live up to its potential or whether it will be marred by cost overruns and mismanagement. What is clear, however, is that the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway is one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in Nigeria’s history, and its success or failure will have significant implications for the country’s development trajectory.
