Presidency-Tinubu Commission First 30km of Lagos-Calabar

President Tinubu is set to commission a mere 30km stretch of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway today, May 31, 2025 a move that has ignited a firestorm of controversy and skepticism across Nigeria.

According to report on May 31, While government officials are touting this event as a milestone in national infrastructure.

Critics argue it is little more than a political spectacle designed to distract from deeper issues of corruption, mismanagement, and misplaced priorities

A Project Mired in Scandal and Suspicion

The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, originally envisioned as a 750km artery to connect nine states and foster regional integration, has become a lightning rod for accusations of government waste and elite self-enrichment.

Despite its grand billing as one of President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” legacy projects, only a tiny fraction 30km has been completed and is ready for public use

Even the manner of today’s commissioning is raising eyebrows.

President Tinubu, celebrated as both the “initiator” and “actualizer” of the project, will not be present in person but will instead commission the highway virtually from the comfort of his office.

For many, this virtual ribbon-cutting is emblematic of a government that is out of touch with the hardships facing ordinary Nigerians.

Conflict of Interest and Opaqueness

One of the most explosive allegations surrounding the project is the reported involvement of Seyi Tinubu, the president’s son.

With CKD Industries; a subsidiary of Hitech the very company awarded the highway contract.

Opposition leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, have repeatedly slammed the project’s lack of transparency.

The contract was awarded without competitive bidding, violating due process; the true project cost remains secretive

Government released over N1 trillion for highway pilot phase, about 6% total, lacking oversight, spending clarity.

Obasanjo calls N15.6 trillion highway “wasteful, corrupt,” accuses Tinubu admin of embezzlement, patronage.

Obasanjo’s new book depicts government more interested in chopping public funds than delivering value.

Displacement and Social Cost

Beyond the financial scandals, the human cost of the highway project is deeply troubling.

Construction displaces entire communities along the route, often with little warning or compensation.

Legal battles continue as Okun-Ajah residents challenge what they call unlawful land grabs and forced evictions.

For many, the project symbolizes not development, but elite disregard for the rights and livelihoods of ordinary Nigerians.

A Pattern of Misplaced Priorities

The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is not the only project under scrutiny.

Tinubu administration criticized for N21 billion Shettima residence amid Nigerians’ poverty, inflation, collapsing services.

Critics call grand infrastructure unveilings expensive photo ops, ignoring Nigeria’s pressing needs.

Public Distrust and Political Fallout

As the government prepares to celebrate the completion of just 30km out of a promised 750km, public outrage continues to mount.

Nigerians view highway as symbol of leadership’s corruption, nepotism, mass indifference.

Labour unions, civil society, opposition demand transparency, accountability, inclusive development.

Conclusion: a Dream Deferred

While officials insist Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway will transform transportation, the ground reality tells a different story.

For now, the project remains a monument to controversy, elite self-congratulation, and public distrust.

As Tinubu commission highway section, Nigerians question genuine progress or broken promises.