Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Mr. Peter Obi, has urged the administration of President Bola Tinubu to halt the controversial Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project, citing the potential massive loss of jobs at a time of rampant unemployment.
In a statement, Obi emphasized the need to prioritize nationwide security, poverty eradication, healthcare, and education, especially for the poor and underprivileged, over the construction of the Lagos-Calabar highway.
Expressing concern over the reported demolition of businesses and residences in the designated right of way for the project, Obi described it as insensitive and heart-wrenching.
He criticized the hasty commencement of the project despite widespread outcry from business and property owners directly affected by it, emphasizing that the government’s action goes against reason and compassion in public policy.
Obi highlighted the devastating impact of the project, noting that livelihoods are being wiped away, lifetime investments wasted, and jobs disappearing as bulldozers demolish homes and businesses.
He warned that the project’s continuation would lead to the loss of thousands of jobs and put investments worth over $200 million at risk.
Additionally, over 100,000 jobs in the leisure and hospitality sector, along with 80 small businesses and their 4,000 mostly youth employees, are at risk of extinction.
Obi stressed that at a time of rampant unemployment, embarking on a project that would lead to job losses is counterproductive.
While acknowledging the economic value of the road, he argued that the current economic and social realities in the country should lead to a reassessment of priorities.
He questioned the rationale and timing of the project, pointing out that existing highways urgently need maintenance and insecurity makes travel unsafe.
He cited the recent fuel tanker explosion on the East-West road in Rivers State as an example of the urgent need for road maintenance.
Obi emphasized that Nigeria’s urgent development needs are more real and essential than expensive new highway projects, and called for a discontinuation of the Lagos-Calabar highway project before it becomes another expensive abandoned project.
