Atiku Abubakar, the People's Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate for 2023, has voiced strong criticism against the handling of the Lagos-Calabar Highway project, alleging personal interests overshadowing national priorities.

In a statement released by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku condemned the lack of proper notification regarding the demolition of properties in the Oniru corridor, including parts of Lagos State's landmarks, for the construction of the Coastal Highway.

Atiku pointed fingers at President Bola Tinubu and Gilbert Chagoury, owner of Hitech, the project contractor, suggesting their close ties as the driving force behind the project's hastened progress. He raised concerns over procurement violations and conflicts of interest, notably Tinubu's son's involvement on boards of companies linked to Chagoury.

The former Vice President noted that “Tinubu’s son, Seyi, is a director on the board of CDK Integrated Industries, a subsidiary of the Chagoury Group, which manufactures ceramic tiles and sanitary wares.”

Says Atiku: “To add insult to injury, this project that is being done more than $13bn was awarded without competitive bidding. From all indications, the so-called Badagry-Sokoto highway would be awarded similarly at an enormous cost to taxpayers purely because Tinubu has put his interest ahead of the Nigerian people.”

Atiku emphasized that the rushed execution of the project, without competitive bidding and amidst Nigeria's economic crisis, raises red flags. He lamented the disregard for local businesses and proper planning, attributing it to Tinubu's prioritization of personal interests over national welfare. Atiku highlighted discrepancies in project coordination, environmental impact assessment, and funding, accusing the Tinubu administration of bypassing legislative approval. He warned of adverse effects on investor confidence and the nation's economic standing if such practices persist unchecked.