Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has criticized the N15.6 trillion Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, calling it a “wasteful and corrupt” venture that drains public funds without due process.
He also condemned the N21 billion being spent on a new official residence for Vice President Kashim Shettima, describing it as a misplaced priority during an economic crisis.
Obasanjo’s criticisms are detailed in his new book, Nigeria: Past and Future, where he questions the integrity of many in power. The book was launched last week as part of events marking his 88th birthday. He accused government officials of using public offices for personal enrichment while millions of Nigerians struggle in poverty.
The Lagos-Calabar Highway project, awarded to Hitech Construction Company without competitive bidding, has sparked widespread debate. At N4.93 billion per kilometre, the road is one of Nigeria’s most expensive infrastructure projects. So far, N1.06 trillion—about 6% of the total cost—has been disbursed, with the first phase set to run from Eko Atlantic to Lekki Deep Sea Port.
‘It’s My Turn to Chop’ – Obasanjo on Tinubu’s Government
In his book, Obasanjo argued that President Bola Tinubu’s administration prioritizes personal gains over national development. He claimed that “everything is transactional” and that the government operates under the mindset of “It’s my turn to chop.”
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He criticized the political elite for being unprepared for leadership, saying many enter office deeply in debt and quickly amass wealth through questionable means. According to Obasanjo, some governors settle their personal bank debts within two years of taking office without any legitimate business activities.
The former president also accused leaders of stifling whistleblowers by allocating just enough funds to subordinates to silence them. “State resources are captured and appropriated with a pittance to staff and associates to keep them quiet,” he wrote.
Call for ‘Afrodemocracy’
Obasanjo questioned whether Western liberal democracy is suitable for Africa, arguing that it has failed to deliver good governance. He proposed an alternative system, which he calls Afrodemocracy, tailored to African history, culture, and societal needs.
“If the West, where democracy originated, admits it is failing them, we should rethink our approach,” he said. He suggested drafting an African People’s Constitution that better reflects the continent’s values and governance challenges.
While the Presidency has not officially responded to Obasanjo’s claims, his remarks have reignited debates on governance, corruption, and the cost of democracy in Nigeria.
