Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, has fiercely criticised President Bola Tinubu’s flagship Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project, branding it a “scam” and accusing the administration of neglecting the needs of Nigerians.
Speaking on Inside Sources with Laolu Akande, broadcast on Channels Television last Friday, Lawal challenged the government’s achievements, questioning the visibility and impact of its infrastructure projects.
“If you ask me what projects this government has implemented that Nigerians can see or that have changed lives, I can’t point to any,” Lawal said. “In northern Nigeria, where I travel frequently, I haven’t seen a single road under construction or being repaired. I don’t think there’s one in the South-West either.
“They’re still talking about the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, like every government before them. They allocate funds and yet nothing happens. This so-called coastal road — it’s just a scam. Everyone knows it. Even before they began, we knew it would be, and now it clearly is.”
Questioning Public Spending
President Tinubu inaugurated the first 30km stretch of the road in May, linking Ahmadu Bello Way to Eleko Village on the Lekki Peninsula. Shortly afterwards, the Federal Government secured a $747 million loan to fund the larger 700km project.
This borrowing has drawn heavy criticism, particularly from opposition figures, who argue the administration is taking on debt without delivering visible results. Lawal echoed these concerns.
“You borrow money from Europe, and before it even arrives, it’s already spent there,” he said. “So what are Nigerians seeing? What’s the government doing with our money?
“The President went and commissioned 30 kilometres out of 700, and even that has become controversial.”
Public and Political Backlash
The project, estimated to cost ₦15 trillion, has sparked outrage not only from political leaders such as Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi but also from residents whose homes were demolished to make way for construction. Many are demanding compensation.
Despite the backlash, the government insists the coastal highway is a long-term economic strategy. Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, defended the initiative in December during a Senate hearing.
“When people stop the suspicion and take time to understand the project, they’ll realise it’s a catalyst for growth in every state,” Umahi said.
Still, critics like Lawal remain unconvinced, accusing the government of putting politics before people.