Lagos-Calabar Highway: FG adamant on misplaced priority — Peter Obi

Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has said the federal government has remained adamant about the construction of the Lagos-Calabar highway, which is a misplaced priority.

 

In a post on his X handle on Tuesday, 30th April 2024, the former Anambra governor said the government should focus on completing the countless abandoned road projects across the country.

 

The statement read, “Contrary to reason and the necessity for compassion in public policy, the federal government has commenced the controversial Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project. 

 

The outcry against this project has been overwhelming due to the current situation in the country. However, reports as of yesterday indicate that demolition of businesses and residences in the designated right of way for the project has commenced from the Lagos end. 

 

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The sight of this insensitive demolition is heart-wrenching. Livelihoods are being wiped away, lifetime investments are being wasted, and jobs are disappearing as bulldozers roar through. The homes of the elderly are being overturned by the power of bulldozers.”

 

He added that, the rushed commencement of this project blatantly ignores the widespread opposition voiced by the public, especially by those whose businesses and properties directly lie in its path. 

 

The outcry accompanying this project’s progression towards impoverished rural landscapes remains unforeseen. Thousands of jobs are on the brink of extinction, with investments exceeding $200 million hanging in the balance.

 

 Over 100,000 jobs in the leisure and hospitality sector face imminent eradication, along with 80 small businesses and their 4000 predominantly youthful employees.

 

In a time of rampant unemployment, the government is embarking on a venture that will further exacerbate job losses. 

 

While the economic repercussions are currently confined to the initial kilometers in the Lagos area, the 700 km span of this highway will traverse rural regions where affected individuals lack the voice, power, or influence to assert their rights.

 

 Despite significant portions of the public questioning the project’s approval process, the government remains obstinate to reason and prudence.

 

“While acknowledging the economic value of the road, its conception dating back to Tafewa Balewa’s time, several parameters have changed. Insecurity and poverty are rampant, placing this project lower on today’s national priorities. 

 

It’s time to question the rationale and timing of this and similar projects. The nation is in its worst economic state in history, with poverty and hunger spreading. The basic necessities of life are beyond reach for most Nigerians.

“This is a moment when a committed government cannot embark on non-essential projects. Existing highways urgently need maintenance, and insecurity makes travel unsafe Just a few days ago, many lives were lost, and over 70 vehicles were burned in a fuel tanker explosion that occurred on the East-West road in Rivers State.

 

 This tragic accident was primarily caused by the extremely poor condition of the road, which has been neglected for years and urgently needs attention.

 

 Our economy is struggling, and our health institutions are ill-equipped. Why embark on an expensive new highway project when there are close to 50 abandoned federal highway projects across the country?

 

“The urgent necessities are nationwide security, poverty eradication, healthcare, and education, especially for the poor and underprivileged. It’s not too late to discontinue the Lagos-Calabar highway project. 

 

We cannot afford another expensive abandoned project. Nigeria’s urgent development needs are more real and essential. We do not need landscape decoration escapades.”

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