Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has condemned President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its handling of the ₦15.6 trillion Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, labeling it as a wasteful and corrupt endeavor.
In his newly released book, Nigeria: Past and Future, launched to mark his 88th birthday, Obasanjo also criticized the government’s decision to allocate ₦21 billion for a new official residence for Vice President Kashim Shettima, especially amid the country’s economic struggles.
His remarks come amid growing scrutiny of the Lagos-Calabar project, which was awarded to Hitech Construction Company, owned by Gilbert Chagoury—believed to be a long-time ally of Tinubu—without an open bidding process.
Prominent figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, have questioned the transparency of the contract award.
Obasanjo further criticized the broader political landscape, accusing many in leadership positions—ranging from presidents to local government officials—of prioritizing personal enrichment over national development.
He alleged that some governors clear massive debts within two years of taking office without legitimate business operations, implying that state resources are being misappropriated.
He described such practices as criminally deceptive, stating that many leaders engage in corrupt dealings, including questionable contract awards, illicit borrowing, and the misuse of national assets.
Obasanjo argued that Tinubu’s administration has shown a disregard for public concerns, particularly regarding the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the costly vice-presidential residence, calling such expenditures an example of poor governance.