Atiku Demands Full Disclosure of Coastal Highway Payments, Questions Alleged $20bn Loan

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has challenged President Bola Tinubu to explain changes to the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, demanding full disclosure of contract payments, revised project costs and an alleged plan to borrow up to $20 billion to finance payments reportedly linked to the project.

Atiku said the reported rerouting of sections of the highway had raised questions about the original contract, the financial implications of the revised design and whether Nigerians could be exposed to additional debt without a clear account of payments already made and outstanding obligations.

He also alleged that some lawmakers were being pressured to approve the anticipated borrowing request.

In a statement issued on Monday by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku accused the Tinubu administration of failing to provide Nigerians with a comprehensive explanation of the changes and their financial implications.

“Tinubu sold Nigerians a coastal highway. Now his Minister says parts of it will follow an existing road inland. That is not a minor adjustment to a drawing. It strikes at the promise used to sell this enormous project. When the route changes, the price must be opened. When the work changes, the payments must be explained,” he said.

The former vice-president called on the Minister of Works, David Umahi, to publish the original engineering studies and revised designs for the project.

He questioned whether the government had adequately assessed the terrain, bridge requirements and flood risks before awarding the contract.

Atiku also demanded a detailed breakdown of the work removed from the original contract, payments already made to the contractor and the revised cost of completing the highway.

“You cannot change the work and refuse to change the bill,” he said.

Atiku questions alleged $20bn borrowing plan

The former vice-president further challenged Tinubu to clarify whether the Federal Government was preparing to seek a loan of up to $20 billion from the National Assembly and whether any portion of the proposed borrowing would be used to finance payments connected to Hitech Construction Company.

“Do not hide a contractor’s bill inside a national borrowing request. Publish the proposed loan, the contract it would finance and the record of what has already been paid. If no such request exists, say so plainly and on the record,” Atiku said.

He also alleged that some lawmakers had been warned that funds for their election campaigns would be withheld unless they approved the anticipated loan request.

Atiku urged the leadership of the National Assembly to investigate the allegation and ensure lawmakers had access to the proposed loan terms and project accounts before making a decision.

“We are informed that some lawmakers have been warned that funds for their election campaigns will be withheld unless they pass this request with the speed of light. Who is making that threat? Whose money is being promised or withheld? And why should any legislator’s campaign depend on voting to put Nigerians in debt?” he asked.

The former vice-president called for the publication of the original feasibility and environmental studies, route maps, Bills of Quantities, contract variations, Bureau of Public Procurement approvals, payment certificates and any borrowing proposals linked to the highway.

He also demanded a public hearing before the National Assembly considers further financing for the project.

Atiku raises concerns over project accountability

Atiku linked the controversy to what he described as a pattern of policy inconsistency under Tinubu, arguing that Nigerians already grappling with rising living costs should not face additional financial obligations arising from project changes that have not been adequately explained.

“This is the policy inconsistency that has defined Tinubu’s government and made an already severe cost of living crisis harder for Nigerians to bear. Announce a plan. Change it without a full accounting. Then present the public with a bigger bill,” he said.

He maintained that no additional borrowing should proceed without full disclosure of the highway’s contractual obligations, payments already made and the justification for any proposed financing.

The allegations have raised questions about the project’s contract variations, financing arrangements and the extent of legislative oversight required before further public borrowing can be approved.

However, the claims concerning the proposed $20 billion loan and alleged pressure on lawmakers require independent verification. The statement did not establish whether a formal borrowing request had been submitted to the National Assembly or provide documentary evidence of the alleged threats.