The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), a civil rights and transparency advocacy group, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to postpone the contentious Calabar-Lagos Coastal Highway project.
This call comes amid concerns over the project’s transparency, the alleged involvement of President Tinubu’s family with the awarded contractor, and the opaque nature of the project’s award process. HURIWA warns that the administration’s reputation could be tarnished if it continues to hastily execute the controversial project, especially during a time when the cost of living crisis is endangering the lives of millions of Nigerians. The group also noted the aggressive defense of the project by Works Minister Dave Umahi and his criticism of the project’s detractors, suggesting that the administration may have something to hide.
HURIWA has requested that the President’s office clarify reports alleging that Seyi Tinubu, the President’s son, is a board director of CDK Integrated Industry. This company is a subsidiary of the Chagoury Group, which is reportedly handling the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project and is owned by Gilbert Chagoury, a business associate of the President.
HURIWA is advocating for a public television debate on the road project, featuring President Tinubu and his Works Minister against key Nigerian opposition leaders, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Mr. Peter Obi. The group believes that the debate’s outcome will enhance public comprehension of the fundamental issues surrounding the Calabar-Lagos Coastal Highway.
HURIWA, through its National Coordinator Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, expressed that the construction of such an expensive road infrastructure, where the awarding process did not adhere to the Bureau of Public Procurement’s provisions and was not observed by NGOs specializing in contract award observation under the BPE Act, is undesirable and should be stopped immediately.
HURIWA stated, “We are asking President Tinubu to halt the construction of the corruption-ridden Calabar-Lagos Coastal Highway because it is simply a highway to monumental political corruption.” The group has posed several questions to President Tinubu regarding the project, including why Nigeria is seeking to build the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway during a severe economic crisis and why the project is starting from Eko Atlantic, an area reserved for the ultra-wealthy elite. The group also questioned why the original coastal road, the Water Corporation Road, has been abandoned and why a new “Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway” is being started instead.
HURIWA is also puzzled as to why the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, which began even before its public announcement, is considered ‘urgent.’ The group agrees with many surprised Nigerians that this is an unprecedented and unusual occurrence for a government project in this region, particularly during a time of severe economic hardship. The group noted that such projects are typically slow to start and are plagued with delays, but this case is markedly different. HURIWA is questioning the rush and the reasons behind it.
