Accusing the Nigerian government of rushing the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project due to the business connections between President Bola Tinubu and Gilbert Chagoury, the owner of Hitech, 2023 Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, pointed out that Chagoury is the contractor in charge of the highway construction.
Atiku criticized the grant of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway contract, stating that it was against procurement regulations. He highlighted the conflict of interest arising from the involvement of Tinubu’s son and associates on Chagoury’s company boards.
Moreover, Atiku claimed that Seyi Tinubu, Tinubu’s son, serves as a director on the board of CDK Integrated Industries. He criticized the Tinubu-led government for prioritizing personal business interests over national concerns, potentially hindering the ease of doing business.
Regarding the project cost of over $13 billion, Atiku alleged that it was awarded without competitive bidding. He also expressed concerns that the proposed Badagry-Sokoto highway might undergo a similar process, heavily burdening taxpayers due to Tinubu’s alleged self-interest.
Bringing attention to the sudden demolition of properties within the Oniru corridor, including parts of Landmark, Atiku suggested that such actions negatively impact foreign direct investments in the country. He emphasized that in more organized settings, establishments like Landmark would receive adequate notice to plan for such changes.