Nigeria’s Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has condemned the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over poor implementation of the removal of subsidy from petroleum products as well as the floating naira.

Obasanjo said though the policies were necessary, they were wrongly implemented.

Obasanjo, according to a statement made available to journalists on Sunday by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, also condemned Nigeria’s approach to the coup in the Republic of Niger.

He was said to have spoken in Abuja at the weekend at a  colloquium tagged: “Nigeria’s Development: Navigating the Way Out of the Current Economic Crisis and Insecurity.”

The ex-president said, “Today, the government has taken three decisions, two of which are necessary but wrongly implemented and have led to the impoverisation of the economy and of Nigerians. These are the removal of subsidy, closing the gap between the black market and official rates of exchange and the third is dealing with a military coup in Niger Republic.

“The way forward is production and productivity which belief and trust in government leadership will engender. No shortcut to economic progress but hard work and sweat.

“The economy does not obey orders, not even military orders. I know that. If we get it right, in two years, we will begin to see the light beyond the tunnel. It requires a change of characteristics, attributes, and attitude by the leadership at all levels to gain the confidence and trust of investors who have alternatives.”

Obasanjo added that the government must do more to attract foreign investments. He said, “Total Energy has gone to invest $6bn in Angola instead of Nigeria. If the truth must be stated, the present administration has not found the right way to handle the economy to engender confidence and trust for investors to start trooping in.

“They know us more than we know ourselves. And now they are laughing at us, not taking us seriously. We have to present ourselves in such a way that we will be taken seriously. If the existing investors are disinvesting and going out of our country, how do we persuade new investors to rush in?

“We can be serious if we choose to be but we need to change from transactional leadership in government to transformational and genuine servant leadership.

“With change by us, the investors will give us benefit of doubt, and security being taken care of on a sustainable long-term basis, they will start to test the water.

“ With the right economic policies, attribute of integrity and honesty of purpose, all should be well with all hands on deck and government becomes a catalyst for development, growth and progress.

To conclude on the economy, “tinkering with the exchange rate is not the answer. The answer is consistency and continuity in policy to ensure stability and predictability. That way, we will be sure to incentivize domestic and foreign investment.

“There must be honesty and transparency in government dealings and contracts and not lying with deception about these issues. When the government is seen as pursuing the right policy, the private sector will go for production and productivity.”

“Change is possible but it must begin with the leadership”.

The former President’s reaction to the refinery issue was coming barely six months after the claim that the refinery would begin operation in January.

He noted that to get out of the current situation of the country, the government and the governed needed to look at the past and the present, and ask: How do we get here?

“Looking at the topic of today’s occasion, the question I would ask is, how do we navigate our way out of these crises and pave the path towards a more secure and prosperous Nigeria? I believe the answer to this requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses the root causes of these challenges. The central questions are: where were we? And how did we get to where we are today?

According to Obasanjo: “Firstly, we must know where we are coming from. Our economy has consistently suffered from poor policies, lack of long-term sustainable policies, discontinuity, adhocry, and corruption firmed on personal greed, avarice, incompetence, lack of knowledge and understanding, and lack of patriotism.

“For instance, the statement and proposed actions given forty-five years ago to stop fuel scarcity is the same statement and action being touted today. I recall when I made the statement that the refineries would not work, the sycophants and spin doctors of this current administration went out to castigate me as not being a petroleum engineer and that I did not know what I was talking about.

“They forgot that the attempt that was made in 2007 to partly privatise the refineries was made by me after a thorough study of the situation. But the decision was reversed by my successor and the 750 million dollars paid was refunded.”

On a way out, the former President said the country needed “a 25-year socio-economic development agenda that will be generally agreed to, by the nation of all political parties and passed into law by the National Assembly with State Assembly aspects also passed into law by the State Houses of Assembly. We take up the implementation on a five-year basis. In reality, that plan will have the effect of almost a Constitution. The first priority in the implementation will be education for all.”

On the security, he said, “We need a stick-and-carrot approach. Stick to deal with those who cannot be weaned out of criminality and evil deeds and for those weaned, they should be rehabilitated.

“There should be no Nigerian without being in school compulsorily for eleven years – secondary education level.

“Employment must be a right for all Nigerians from age 18 years to 65 years.

“With such a carrot in position, the stick must then be made more severe for criminals. Five years must be set out to ensure that every Nigerian child that is not in school is in school and no one is left out of popular education”.

Africa’s Global Bank, the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc on Friday, 23rd of May, marked this year’s Africa day on, with fanfare. The event which was celebrated across the banks 20 African subsidiaries, including New York, UK, France and Dubai, culminated into a mini carnival at the corporate head office in Marina, Lagos as it witnessed  a rich culture of African people on display.

The bank said the event was aimed at encouraging Africans home and abroad to be patriotic and embrace their culture.

It was all colour and glitz as a troupe of dancers representing Nigeria, Ghana, Zambia, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Zimbabwe, among other African countries, entertained the audience from the entrance of the building to its doorways through to the Tony Elumelu Amphitheatre Hall. Their overall performances exuded good vibes and earned them ovation from all.

Noting that Africa has unarguably positioned herself as the second largest continent in the world with its rich cultural heritage, the bank said the continent remains the only one in the world that was evidently bequeathed with the most colourful and distinctively diverse culture appreciated across the globe.

From her aesthetic art works, ethnic costumes, expressive dances, mind-blowing plethora of languages, amazing dishes, tourists attractions, and wildlife among others, Africa is seen as a world power that is yet to explore.

It is, therefore, to proudly and powerfully project her cultural heritage that UBA hosted the event in Lagos an to commemorate this year’s Africa Day. It said that part of its aim was for dignitaries to map out lasting solutions to persisting challenges in the continent.

Themed, “Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century: Building Resilient Education Systems for Increased Access to Inclusive, Lifelong, Quality, and Relevant Learning in Africa,” for us at UBA, it only reinforces our belief and passion for education as exemplified in our foundations National Essay Competition where winners who emerge are given scholarships through school.

According to the Group Managing Director, United Bank for Africa, Oliver Alawuba, “We are in 20 African countries and four countries outside Africa. Our focus has always been on not only driving investments into Africa but also to empower Africa’s youth by honing the critical thinking prowess of our youth as well as groom them for leadership roles across the continent.

Alawuba said UBA aspires to develop and grow in the world, adding that unity is critical and very important in Africa hence the emphasis on how to change the narrative. “Unity is critical and very important for the future of Africa, we need to remain united to achieve our aspirations and the youth are critical to that growth”, he said.

Consequently, as one of Africa’s leading financial services institutions, with a pan-African footprint spanning 20 African countries and globally in the US, UK, the United Arab Emirates and France, UBA says it’s fully committed to unifying Africa and empowering youths for the future. It also continues to lead the narrative focused on the development, growth, and unity of Africa

Nigeria’s President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has said the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway will give 30 million people improved access to production and marketing centres.

Tinubu made this known in his remarks on Sunday in Lagos during the flag-off of the 700km Lagos-Calabar highway project and several others to commemorate his first year in office.

He said, “On the next 10 benefits of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway; during the period of construction, the road will provide direct employment for thousands of people, and indirect employment for tens of thousands of politicians and more. Economic opportunity for millions is being opened.

“It will fast-track the community’s development, It will bring development closer to the people, and give 30 million people improved access to production and marketing centres. You can easily predict a journey, vertically and go along the horizontal line and do the definition of free movement of people.”

In March, the Federal Government started constructing the highway, designed to extend through nine states with two spurs leading to the northern states.

The project, which necessitated the demolition of some buildings, faced significant criticism and interrogation from Nigerians and the National Assembly who believed the timing was inappropriate.

Last Thursday, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, disclosed that 750 houses that are on the path of the Lagos-Calabal coast highway have been marked for demolition.

Umahi had earlier announced an N2.75bn in compensation to property owners affected by the proposed demolition spanning from channel 0 to channel 3 on the mega highway.

However, relevant stakeholders have voiced complaints, arguing that the compensation did not match the investment made.

Responding to the criticism on Sunday, the president further appealed for the understanding of the general public, particularly those whose properties and means of livelihood would be affected by this landmark project.

He appealed, “I further crave the understanding of the general public, especially those whose properties and sources of livelihood will be impacted by this iconic project. We all make some sacrifices to enable our country to grow.

“However, be rest assured that this government is a compassionate government that cares for you and will do the utmost to offer succour, by way of compensation.”

He described the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as a symbol of hope, unity, and prosperity for Nigerians.

He said “This project is more than just a road – it is a symbol of hope, unity, and prosperity. It will connect our communities in nine states, foster trade and commerce, boost tourism, and create new opportunities for generations to come.

“A similar road in Ireland, called the Wild Atlantic Way, 2,600km long is expected to fetch 3bn euros a year in tourism revenues.

“I want to express my gratitude to the team of engineers, workers, and stakeholders who have worked tirelessly to bring us to this point. Your dedication and expertise are the driving force behind the take-off of this project.”

Tinubu emphasised the significance of safety, sustainability, and social responsibility, urging stakeholders to collaborate to ensure that this project benefits all and leaves a lasting legacy for future generations.

He stated “This is not only a legacy project of this administration but a dream come true that will connect some neglected towns and cities along the coastal route. Over time it has been noticed that both Tin Can Island and Apapa ports are becoming shallower thereby limiting the size of ships that can berth at those strategic ports.

“It is pertinent to note that the Lagos State Government in partnership with private investors developed Lekki Deep Sea Port which does not have a link road. It is however obvious that this development will open up businesses and investment along the project corridor.

“The potential of this road is enormous because it will have two spurs which will link up with Sokoto – Badagry Expressway which is under procurement and African Trade Route which connects South East to Cameroon thereby connecting every region of the country.”

Commending the Minister of Works, David Umahi, he noted that the government was waiting on private investors to bring their funds.

He stated “It is worthy to state that the model of EPC+F( Engineering, Procurement, and Construction Plus Finance) which the ministry is adopting is commendable. This sees the Federal Government investing while waiting for private investors to bring on board their counterpart funds.

“I commend the Honourable Minister of Works and the staff of the Ministry who are ensuring that the contractor delivers good quality work.”

Tinubu asserted that the 10-lane road project represented a crucial step in the government’s efforts to enhance connectivity, facilitate economic growth, and improve the quality of life for our people.

He added, “The project is more than a mere road, it is a symbol of hope, unity, and prosperity. It will connect our communities in nine states, foster trade and commerce, boost tourism, and create new opportunities for generations to come.

“To the glory of God and benefit of our people, it is my greatest pleasure to flag off this project and also virtually flag off the spurs about to be procured.

“I also flag off the massive rehabilitation of 330 roads and bridges across the nation. Let the construction begin.”

While commending the dignitaries, Tinubu said everyone wanted a good highway, but no one wanted the government to go through their backyard.

He said, “Everybody, they say, wants a good highway, but nobody wants you to go through their backyard.

“I thank you tremendously, the Chairman of HiTech, Gilbert Chagoury, and my partner, Engineer Roland. We walk together to take the Atlantic and turn a disaster into an asset of great value together.

“We lost weight, we took abuse, but we tamed the Atlantic, we achieved our goals. Here again, we are in it together, thank you, Roland, for being who you are.

‘A particular stakeholder, responsible corporate leader, Aliko Dangote, thank you for understanding your field and investment in Africa, and your incapacity to navigate the stormy water business. Yes, Nigeria is going through a patch, but we depend on you to continue doing this, so that other people will emulate and copy your example, thank you, Aliko.”

He said today was a brag day for him as the dream was fearlessly set on a journey determined to build a nation on prosperity and embark on bold endeavours.

“The dream is fearless-able, set on a journey, determined to build a nation of prosperity, embark on bold endeavours so that your country can be successful. Generations yet unborn can have a good landmark, a memory to treasure, and good understanding to copy, and a good education to promote the other generations.

“We said, we would do this road, and we are determined to do it. The way we are going, we have the rule that will outlast us, and have lived all of us here present, that is how to build the future.”

The 10-lane coastal road is intended to link Lagos to Cross River, passing through Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom states before ending in Cross River.

Umahi revealed that the road would be built using concrete pavement.

The government also established a committee tasked with the responsibilities of reviewing, assessing, and compensating landowners affected by the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Expressway.

Umahi said that the committee, comprising members drawn from the ministry, Lagos State, affected communities, and other stakeholders, had primary responsibilities that included verifying the eligibility of claimants, assessing the dimensions of affected properties, and determining the appropriate compensation amounts.

Credit: The Punch