Publish the Accounts — Atiku Demands Transparency Over Tinubu’s Coastal Highway Project

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has called on the Federal Government to publish the contract documents, payment records and other financial details relating to the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project following reports of changes to sections of its route.

Atiku’s demand was conveyed in a statement issued on Monday by Phrank Shaibu, his Director of Strategic Communication for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential campaign council.

The former vice-president’s position follows President Bola Tinubu’s reported directive to reroute portions of the highway through the existing East-West Road, a development that Atiku said had raised questions about the original contract, payments already made and the potential cost of the revised alignment.

Atiku also expressed concern that the Federal Government might seek additional loans to finance payments associated with the project. However, the possibility of fresh borrowing was presented as a concern raised by Atiku, rather than a confirmed government decision.

He called on the government to disclose any proposed loan, identify the contract it would finance and provide a clear account of payments already made. He also urged the authorities to state publicly if no additional borrowing request was being considered.

According to Atiku, any alteration to the highway’s route should be accompanied by full disclosure of the financial implications, including the work removed from the original contract, the amount already paid and the revised project cost.

He criticised the administration’s handling of the project, linking the controversy to the removal of the petrol subsidy and the financial pressure facing Nigerian households.

Atiku argued that Nigerians should not be expected to shoulder the burden of additional borrowing without being given access to relevant project documents and financial records. He described the reported route changes and the possibility of further loans as issues requiring greater transparency and accountability.

The former vice-president specifically demanded the publication of the original feasibility and environmental impact studies, route maps, bills of quantities, contract variation documents, Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) approvals, payment certificates and any borrowing proposals connected to the highway.

He further called on the National Assembly to organise a public hearing before considering any additional financing for the project, insisting that lawmakers should scrutinise the relevant documents and financial commitments.

Atiku described the reported changes as evidence of what he characterised as policy inconsistency within Tinubu’s administration. He maintained that the government must explain the consequences of modifying the project and ensure that any additional financial obligations are subjected to proper public scrutiny.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Atiku’s demands have brought renewed attention to questions surrounding transparency, public borrowing and accountability in the execution of major infrastructure projects. The Federal Government’s response to the specific demands was not included in the information available for this report.