Atiku Lagos-Calabar highway cost allegation resurfaces as Umahi admits higher cost, vindicating ex-VP’s earlier concerns.
Former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar has once again raised alarm over the alleged inflated cost of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, stating that a recent admission by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, validates his earlier warnings.
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In a statement released by his Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku expressed concern over the Tinubu administration’s approach to managing what he described as one of Nigeria’s most expensive infrastructure projects.
“This admission not only vindicates the former Vice President’s position but also exposes the Tinubu administration’s lack of transparency in managing one of the most expensive infrastructure projects in Nigeria’s history,” the statement read.
Atiku previously criticised the highway project over its ballooning cost, accusing the government of lacking due diligence and sidestepping accountability. His comments were initially dismissed by Umahi, who insisted the project’s figures were accurate and justified.
However, Umahi recently conceded to a higher-than-anticipated cost, prompting renewed scrutiny from opposition voices and civil society groups.
This development, Atiku claims, confirms fears of inflated pricing and raises questions about the financial prudence behind the project.
While the presidency has yet to issue a formal response to Atiku’s latest remarks, the revelation adds fuel to ongoing debates surrounding infrastructure transparency, contract awards, and public trust in government spending.
Atiku, who has remained vocal since the 2023 elections, reiterated his call for greater transparency, demanding that Nigerians be given full disclosure of the contractual terms, cost breakdowns, and procurement processes for major national projects.
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The Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, a flagship infrastructure initiative of the Tinubu administration, has drawn both praise and criticism for its scope and potential impact. Yet, with cost questions mounting, the need for credible oversight appears more urgent than ever.
