Atiku Challenges Tinubu Over Coastal Highway Rerouting, Alleged $20bn Loan Plan

 

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has challenged President Bola Tinubu to explain changes to sections of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway and clarify reports of a proposed $20 billion loan reportedly linked to the project.

Atiku also alleged that some members of the National Assembly were being pressured to approve the anticipated borrowing, urging lawmakers to scrutinise any proposal before granting approval.

The former vice-president made the demands in a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council.

He called on the Federal Government and Minister of Works, David Umahi, to publish the original engineering studies, revised designs, route maps and contract documents explaining the changes to the highway’s alignment.

Atiku argued that Nigerians deserved to know how the rerouting would affect the project's scope, total cost and payments already made to contractors.

“When the route changes, the price must be opened. When the work changes, the payments must be explained,” he said.

The ADC chieftain further demanded that Tinubu confirm or deny reports that his administration was preparing to seek a loan of up to $20 billion from the National Assembly, allegedly to finance obligations connected to the highway and Hitech Construction Company.

He called for the disclosure of the proposed loan's terms, intended purpose, contractual obligations and records of payments already made.

Atiku also raised concerns over allegations that some lawmakers had been warned that funds for their election campaigns could be withheld unless they approved the anticipated borrowing.

He urged the National Assembly leadership to investigate the claims and ensure that lawmakers had access to relevant financial records before considering any loan request.

The former vice-president called for the publication of feasibility and environmental studies, Bills of Quantities, contract variations, procurement approvals and payment certificates associated with the project. He also advocated a public hearing before any additional financing was approved.

Atiku linked the controversy to what he described as a pattern of policy inconsistency under the Tinubu administration, arguing that Nigerians should not bear additional debt without clear explanations of the project's costs and financial obligations.

The allegations concerning the proposed $20 billion loan and pressure on lawmakers have not been independently established in the reports reviewed. The Federal Government's clarification on the specific claims remains central to the controversy.

Atiku maintained that transparency and accountability were necessary to protect public funds and sustain confidence in the management of major infrastructure projects.