The Federal Ministry of Works has failed to respond to enquiries on missing budgetary provisions for the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway.
The 2025 budget before the National Assembly, as reviewed by LEADERSHIP, has no budgetary provision for the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway.
There is, however, a budget of N100,000,000 (N100m) for the Trans Sahara Superhighway that cuts across Calabar-Ebonyi-Benue-Kogi-Nasarawa to Apo in Abuja
The Badagry to Sokoto State Highway construction got N100,000,000 (N100m) in the 2025 appropriation.
However, this reporter could not identify the particular budgetary allocation for the controversial Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
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However, N100,000,000 (N100m) is allocated to a non-existent project called the Lagos-Port Harcourt Coastal Highway project.
When contacted for clarification, Mohammed Ahmed, the director of information at the Ministry of Works, declined to speak on the matter.
He asked the reporter to write a letter to the ministry demanding an explanation or come physically before he could be briefed on the issue.
“I’m not a budget person; you either write to us or come to the office physically. I can take you to the appropriate person to speak. If you want to do it officially, then you write and we’ll reply,” he said.
LEADERSHIP, however, recalls that the ministry budgeted N5,000,000,000 (N5bn) to pay judgement debts arising from road projects and another N5,000,000,000 (N5bn) to pay legal fees in 2025.
The proposal may not be unconnected with the ongoing four legacy projects connecting the country’s six geopolitical zones.
Particularly, the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway has faced a series of legal suits following the demolition of some structures on the corridor.
In August 2024, the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi disclosed that there were over six court cases against the Lagos-Calabar Coastal highway but assured that the federal government would not be deterred.
Speaking on the legal cases against the Lagos-Calabar Coastal highway, he had said, “That is the beauty of democracy, and under the guise of democracy, we have some fraudulent individuals who want to reap where they did not sow: we do not have just one court case; we have over six, and we are equal to the task. They want to socket their pipes and that is all that they are doing. We are paying compensation; we are following the gazetted right of way; we are following the corridor that is legally allowed for the federal government, so we don’t know why they are taking it to court.
“We have an ESIA (environmental and social impact assessment) certificate on the project, and the project is listed in the 2023 supplementary budget.”
He was alleged to always be at loggerheads with the executive arm, running a parallel government with state Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and absenting himself from most state functions.
It was also gathered that Obasa’s ambition to run for governor of the state in 2027 had put him against some of those eyeing that seat.
In what observers considered moves to ridicule the state deputy governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, who is also eyeing the governorship seat, Obasa summoned the deputy governor to report at his seat during the governor’s budget presentation in November without showing respect for his office.
At the 2025 Budget presentation, the former speaker disrespectfully said those who have ruled Lagos State in the past were not better than him, a statement many considered an insult to past leaders and an overbearing attitude toward the state’s powers that be.
To nail the former speaker’s coffin, the motion for his impeachment was seconded by Hon Aro Moshood Abiodun, Ikorodu 2. It was immediately subjected to a voice vote three times by Hon. Meranda, who presided over the proceeding. All the lawmakers shouted “yes” to support the impeachment, while none said “nay” to counter the motion.
Speaking to journalists on Monday at the Lagos Assembly, Hon. Abiodun Tobun, representing Epe Constituency 1, disclosed that the impeachment was a unanimous decision by the lawmakers. Tobun emphasised that the action was necessary to protect the integrity of the legislature and the state.
“The lawmakers agreed to take this step to safeguard our image and Lagos State. Change is inevitable, and we felt it was time for a new direction,” Tobun said.
He explained that the Constitution empowers the Assembly to regulate its proceedings, and members agreed to end Obasa’s tenure. Following the impeachment, Hon. Mojisola Meranda Lasbat was sworn in as the new Speaker, with Hon. Fatai Ajibola assumed the role of Deputy Speaker.
“All standing committees and principal officer positions have been dissolved. We are determined to work together to elevate the Assembly and deliver on our responsibilities to Lagosians,” Tobun added.
The lawmakers assured the public of their commitment to the progress and stability of Lagos State under the new leadership.
As a mark of the new rapprochement’s acceptability, the Conference 57 of Local Government and Local Council Development Area Chairmen in Lagos State has congratulated Rt. Hon Mojisola Lasbat Meranda on her election as the first female Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Conference 57 praised Meranda’s dedication, competence, and commitment to service in a statement, saying her emergence reflects the state’s progressive ideals and inclusive governance ethos.
The forum trusted Meranda’s ability to deliver robust legislative leadership, foster development, and uphold democratic principles. They assured her of their support and collaboration and wished her a successful tenure marked by groundbreaking achievements.
Signed on behalf of the Conference 57 by Chairman Hon. Alabi Kolade David and Public Relations Officer Bldr. Olusesan Daini, the statement concluded with a congratulatory message to Madam Speaker.
As of the time this report was filed, some state Assembly staff were seen jubilating over his impeachment, saying in the full glare of all and sundry that the former speaker was a bad leader who could care less about the welfare of the state’s Legislative Assembly staff.
