Atiku Abubakar, the former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has raised concerns over the Nigerian Government’s handling of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, alleging favouritism due to business ties between President Bola Tinubu and Gilbert Chagoury, the contractor for the project.
In a statement released by his Media Aide, Paul Ibe, Atiku criticized the awarding of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway contract, alleging violations of procurement regulations. He highlighted the involvement of Tinubu’s son and associates on the boards of companies associated with Chagoury, suggesting a conflict of interest.
Atiku further claimed that the actions of the Tinubu-led government prioritize personal business interests over national welfare, pointing out alleged discrepancies in the awarding of contracts without competitive bidding. He expressed concerns over similar practices in the proposed Badagry-Sokoto highway project, anticipating significant costs to taxpayers.
Additionally, Atiku criticized the demolition of properties within the Oniru corridor, including landmarks and recreational facilities, without sufficient notice. He argued that such actions contribute to deterring foreign direct investment and underscored the importance of proper planning and notification processes for affected establishments.
Atiku’s statements reflect broader concerns about transparency and accountability in government procurement processes and highlight the need for greater adherence to regulatory standards to ensure equitable development and national interest.
