Lagos-Calabar Project Is Money Laundering Scheme, When 70% Is Paid To Partner Of President – Olawepo

A former presidential candidate and chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, Dr. Gbenga Hashim Olawepo has accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of using the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project as a vehicle for alleged financial misconduct.

Olawepo made the allegation while discussing the Tinubu administration and its policies in an interview on the Mic On Podcast on Saturday, September 19, 2026.

He specifically questioned the structure of the project and the involvement of Hitech Construction Company, which was awarded the contract for the highway. Hitech is owned by the Chagoury Group.

The Federal Government has maintained that the project followed due process, while Works Minister David Umahi has defended the contractor’s performance and the project’s financing structure.

Olawepo, however, alleged that a substantial portion of the government’s resources, after salaries had been paid, was being channelled to one contractor whom he described as a business partner of the president.

He said, “This Lagos-Calabar highway project is a money laundering scheme. When 70% of the resources after paying salary is paid to one contractor who is a business partner of the president. What corruption is more than that.”

His allegation echoes earlier criticisms of the project. In 2024, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar had accused Tinubu of prioritising personal business interests in the award of the highway contract, describing Gilbert Chagoury, whose group owns Hitech, as the president’s business partner.

The presidency and Works Minister subsequently rejected the allegations and defended the procurement process.

COURTESY: Kanayooliseh