UIPC WORLDWIDE: DEMANDING TRANSPARENCY, ACCOUNTABILITY AND VALUE FOR MONEY ON THE LAGOS–CALABAR COASTAL HIGHWAY. Facts Over Politics • Accountability Over Allegations • Unity Over Division

UNITED IGBO POLITICAL CONGRESS (UIPC) WORLDWIDE

PUBLIC STATEMENT

LAGOS–CALABAR COASTAL HIGHWAY: LET TRANSPARENCY, ACCOUNTABILITY AND NATIONAL INTEREST PREVAIL

The United Igbo Political Congress (UIPC) Worldwide has noted the public debate surrounding the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, particularly concerns about its cost, environmental implications, route changes, project priorities and overall value to the Nigerian people.

We believe these concerns deserve serious, objective and evidence-based consideration. A major public infrastructure project funded through public resources must be open to scrutiny, and Nigerians have every right to demand transparency, value for money and accountability from those entrusted with public office.

The reported decision to reroute part of the highway through the existing East–West Road raises legitimate questions about the project's revised design, original planning, engineering considerations, cost implications and expected benefits. The relevant authorities should provide clear technical and financial explanations to the public.

However, allegations of fraud must be supported by credible evidence and established through appropriate investigative and legal processes. Policy disagreements, changes in engineering plans or criticism of a project's cost do not, by themselves, establish criminal wrongdoing.

We therefore call on the Federal Government and the Federal Ministry of Works to provide comprehensive and accessible information on the project's approved cost, contractual arrangements, funding structure, environmental assessments, route revisions, compensation for affected communities, implementation timetable and independent monitoring mechanisms.

We also encourage the National Assembly, relevant oversight institutions, professional engineering bodies and civil society organisations to exercise their lawful responsibilities in examining the project and ensuring that public resources are properly managed.

At the same time, we urge Nigerians to conduct this debate with restraint, mutual respect and a genuine commitment to national development. Criticism of government policies should not become an excuse for personal insults, political hostility or the promotion of hatred among citizens.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Minister of Works Senator David Umahi, opposition figures and other public officials should be assessed on verifiable decisions, documented evidence and measurable outcomes. Accountability must be consistent, impartial and free from political double standards.

Our position is clear: we support neither the uncritical defence of public projects nor the condemnation of individuals without evidence. We support transparency, responsible leadership, independent scrutiny and the protection of the public interest.

Nigeria's development requires more than political arguments. It requires sound planning, prudent spending, competent execution and infrastructure that delivers tangible benefits to citizens across all regions.

As an independent, nonpartisan platform, UIPC Worldwide encourages constructive engagement among the Federal Government, opposition parties, professional institutions, community leaders and the Nigerian public. Our collective objective must be to strengthen accountability without weakening national cohesion.

We must remember that political differences should never destroy our common humanity. We can disagree firmly about public policies while remaining united in our commitment to peace, justice and national progress.

Let the facts be examined. Let public funds be accounted for. Let competent institutions do their work. And let no disagreement over public policy become a reason for hatred among Nigerians.

ISSUED IN THE COLLECTIVE INTEREST OF TRANSPARENCY, ACCOUNTABILITY, NATIONAL UNITY AND THE COMMON GOOD.

UNITED IGBO POLITICAL CONGRESS (UIPC) WORLDWIDE

Unity • Representation • Responsible Leadership • Development