Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, has strongly criticized the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, describing it as a “scam” and accusing President Bola Tinubu’s administration of lacking visible, impactful projects for Nigerians.
Lawal made these remarks during an appearance on Inside Sources with Laolu Akande on Channels Television on July 11, 2025.
Lack of Visible Infrastructure Projects Nationwide
Lawal expressed deep skepticism about the current government’s infrastructure achievements, stating that he could not identify any projects that have visibly benefited Nigerians. He particularly noted the absence of road construction or rehabilitation in northern Nigeria, where he frequently travels, and similarly in the South-West region. He also criticized the ongoing Lagos-Ibadan Expressway project, highlighting that successive governments have repeatedly promised progress on it without delivering results:
“If you ask me, ‘What projects has this government implemented so far that are visible to Nigerians and have impacted their lives?’ I cannot see any. At least in northern Nigeria, where I am a frequent traveller, I don’t see any road that they are constructing or rehabilitating. In the South-West, I don’t think there is any. They are still talking about the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, which it appears every government talks about and votes money for, and it never goes anywhere”.
Criticism of Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, a flagship project flagged off by President Tinubu in May 2025, involves constructing a 700-kilometer road connecting Lagos to Calabar. The first phase, a 30-kilometer stretch from Ahmadu Bello Way to Eleko Village in Lekki, Lagos, was commissioned amid high expectations.
However, Lawal dismissed this milestone, questioning the project’s relevance amid Nigeria’s mounting public debt. He accused the government of borrowing funds from Europe that are spent abroad before Nigerians see any benefit:
“You borrow money from Europe, and before it comes, it is spent over there. So, I don’t understand. What can Nigerians see? It has become such that the President can go and commission 30 kilometres of a 700km road which has even become a source of controversy. So, what are they doing with our money?”.
He insisted that the coastal highway project was widely recognized as a scam even before construction began and claimed it has now proven to be one:
“Their so-called coastal road is just a scam. Every Nigerian knows it is a scam. Even before they started, we knew it would be a scam, and it has become a scam”.
Government and Supporters Defend the Project
In contrast, the Federal Government and supporters maintain that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is a well-planned and transparent infrastructure project. Minister of Works Dave Umahi has urged Nigerians to disregard criticisms, describing the project as a legacy initiative that will connect communities and boost employment. The government has also addressed concerns over route alignments to avoid damaging submarine cables and insists the project will benefit Nigeria and the region once completed
