Coastal Highway Project: Obi Says FG Adamant On Misplaced Priority As Poverty, Hunger Spreads

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s Presidential Candidate in the 2023 general election, has once again cried out that the Federal Government is pursuing unnecessary projects despite the spread of poverty and hunger across the country.

Obi had previously condemned the start of the trillion-naira Coastal Highway Project when the internal roads were impassable.

The LP standards bearer wrote on his X handle on Tuesday, “Contrary to the dictates of reason and the necessity for compassion in the pursuit of public policy, the federal government has kicked off the controversial Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.

‘The outcry against this project has been overwhelming because it contrasts with the country’s current situation.

“However, as of yesterday, reports indicate that demolition of businesses and residences in the project’s designated right of way has begun from the Lagos end.”

“Seeing this insensitive demolition breaks my heart. As we watch this tragic drama, livelihoods are being wiped out. Lifetime investments are being squandered, and jobs are disappearing as bulldozers roar. Powerful bulldozers are destroying the elderly’s homes.

“This hasty flag-off ignores widespread public outcry, particularly from business and property owners whose investments are directly affected by this project.” Nobody knows about the outcry I will raise as this project moves closer to poor rural landscapes.

‘Thousands of jobs are about to be lost, and in one case, investments worth more than $200 million are about to disappear. Over 100,000 jobs in the leisure and hospitality industries face immediate extinction. Over 80 small businesses are under threat, with 4000 employees, mostly young people, about to lose their jobs. At a time when unemployment is rife, the government is embarking on a job-losing initiative.

‘The economic losses in question only concern the first few kilometres in the Lagos end. However, the 700-kilometer road will pass through rural areas where those affected will have no voice, power, or influence to advocate for their rights.

“A significant portion of the public has questioned the process that led to the approval of this project. The government has ignored voices of reason and caution.

“More importantly, the time has come to question the rationale and timing of this and other projects under consideration by this government.

“The nation is currently in the worst economic situation in its history. Poverty is increasing by the day. Hunger has recently emerged as one of the most pressing issues for the majority of Nigerian citizens. Most Nigerians are now unable to meet their basic needs.

“This is a time in national history when any responsible government cannot embark on ostentatious, unnecessary projects.

“Therefore, we must question the government’s sense of priorities in embarking on a mega white elephant project at a time when there are so many urgent and pressing national needs.

‘The majority of existing highways are in desperate need of maintenance. Even those that are passable are unsafe due to the scourge of insecurity. Travellers on our existing highways are frequently kidnapped and abducted by ruthless gangs and thieves. Many travellers on our highways are unsure whether they will arrive alive, safe, or free.

‘Our economy remains comatose as the exchange rate fluctuates and our national debt balloons beyond comprehension.

“Our healthcare institutions are
ill-equipped and frequently unmanned.

“Worse yet, why are we embarking on an expensive, fancy new highway project when there are nearly 50 abandoned and unfinished federal highway projects across the country?

For the avoidance of doubt, the nation’s clear and urgent needs today are immediate nationwide security of life and property, poverty eradication, sustainable and affordable healthcare for all, and affordable and functional education for the majority, particularly the poor and underprivileged.

‘I would like to be remembered as one of the citizens who spoke up to co-oppose and vehemently oppose this government’s proclivity to misplace our national priorities during an existential national emergency.

‘It is not too late to abandon the Lagos-Calabar highway project. We can not afford another expensive abandoned project. Above all, Nigeria’s urgent needs are more pressing in areas that affect the lives of our citizens. We do not need escapades in landscaping.