Accountability must be established wherever evidence reveals waste, mismanagement or irregularities in the use of public resources
By Moses Okorie
The Peter Obi Media Office has called on the Federal Government to provide a detailed account of expenditure, project implementation and reported changes to the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, insisting that Nigerians deserve transparency in the management of public funds.
The office made the demand in a statement issued on October 13, 2026, and signed by its spokesman, Idris Zekeri Jnr., amid renewed questions over the project’s scope and reported truncation.
It called for an independent audit of the project, urging the government to disclose the amount spent so far, the extent of work completed and the officials responsible for approving any alterations to the original plan.
The media office recalled that former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi had advocated prioritising the rehabilitation of deteriorating roads across the country’s hinterland before committing substantial resources to the coastal highway.
According to the office, Obi’s position was informed by the need to ensure that limited public resources were channelled towards projects capable of delivering the greatest benefits to the largest number of Nigerians.
It criticised the response of the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, to Obi’s concerns, alleging that the minister attacked the former presidential candidate rather than addressing the issues raised about government spending and infrastructure priorities.
The office argued that questions surrounding the project’s scope and reported changes could not be dismissed as political criticism, stressing that the government had a responsibility to provide verifiable answers.
“Public projects are not political advertisements, and public funds are not private property,” the statement said.
It maintained that accountability must be established wherever evidence reveals waste, mismanagement or irregularities in the use of public resources.
The media office further clarified that Obi’s position was not opposition to infrastructure development but a demand for prudent spending, responsible project selection and value for money.
It urged the Federal Government to recognise public scrutiny as an essential element of democratic governance rather than interpret criticism as an attack on the administration.
The statement also emphasised the need for openness in public procurement, financial reporting and the execution of major infrastructure projects, particularly those involving substantial public expenditure.
It said Nigerians should be informed about how much had been committed to the coastal highway, what had been delivered and whether any changes to the project had been properly authorised.
The office insisted that accountability should remain a fundamental obligation of public officials, regardless of political considerations.
“In a New Nigeria that is Possible and OK, transparency regarding public wealth will be mandatory,” the statement added.