Peter Obi Urges President Tinubu to Halt the Lagos-Calabar Highway Project Citing Job Loss Concerns

Peter Obi, the Labour Party's presidential candidate for 2023, has made a public appeal to President Bola Tinubu to terminate the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project, warning that it could lead to significant job losses for Nigerians. Obi criticized the project as a poorly timed initiative, misaligned with the current economic realities facing the nation.

The controversy began following statements by Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi, who revealed that the government plans to construct the highway at a staggering cost of N4 billion per kilometer, totaling an estimated N2.8 trillion for the 700-kilometer route. The project aims to connect Lagos directly to Cross River State, crossing through several states including Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom.

Recently, Umahi initiated the demolition of structures located in the proposed highway's path, starting at Mani Chula Beach, Oniru Waterfront. He assured that property owners affected by this initiative would receive compensation.

Reacting via his social media page on X, Peter Obi voiced concerns over the project's timing and the federal government's disregard for the adverse impacts on local businesses and job markets. He highlighted the destruction of livelihoods and investments that has already begun with demolitions at the Lagos end of the project route.

“Witnessing the demolitions, it’s clear that valuable livelihoods are being destroyed, substantial investments lost, and employment opportunities are dwindling as the project takes shape. This action is particularly devastating in rural areas where affected communities often lack the means to resist or recover from such impactful decisions,” Obi stated.

Obi's statement reflects a broader concern that while the highway might improve connectivity and have long-term economic benefits, the immediate social and economic costs are too great. He underscored that the project is currently out of sync with the nation’s more pressing needs such as security, poverty alleviation, healthcare, and education.

Furthermore, Obi referenced a recent tragic incident on the neglected East-West road in Rivers State, where a fuel tanker explosion caused significant fatalities and damage, arguing that existing infrastructure requires urgent attention over new projects.

Peter Obi’s plea to the President is framed as a call for rational public spending prioritizing current economic conditions and essential services over new infrastructure projects that could lead to widespread job losses and economic dislocation.