Uwaifo SAN: Faults Lagos-Calabar Highway as 'White Elephant'

• Hannibal Uwaifo, SAN, President of SESSPN, criticized the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, calling it a "white elephant project."
• His criticism stems from the collapse of existing roads and bridges, arguing that maintenance should be prioritized over new constructions.
• Uwaifo described Nigeria as being in a "comatose state" and called the APC-led National Assembly a "total failure."
• He believes rescuing the country from its current state should be the central theme of the 2027 election campaigns.

His assertion that projects like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway are merely "white elephant projects Nigeria" serves as a potent warning against potentially wasteful spending and misprioritization of national resources.

A leading legal figure in Nigeria, Mr. Hannibal Uwaifo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and President of the South-East South-South Professionals of Nigeria (SESSPN), has voiced strong disapproval regarding the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, which is currently under construction. Uwaifo SAN faults Lagos-Calabar Highway, characterizing the ambitious infrastructure initiative as a "white elephant project" during a recent public statement. His remarks highlight growing concerns among professionals about the allocation of resources to new, large-scale developments while existing critical infrastructure deteriorates.

This significant Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway legal criticism from a high-profile legal professional underscores a broader skepticism within the country concerning major public works. Mr. Uwaifo's comments come at a time when the state of Nigeria's infrastructure is a subject of intense public debate, particularly in light of widespread reports of collapsing roads and bridges across various regions. The SESSPN President Uwaifo's stance suggests a preference for addressing current deficiencies over embarking on new, potentially unsustainable ventures.

The criticism from Hannibal Uwaifo SAN Nigeria is rooted in the observable decline of existing transportation networks. He pointedly noted that the country's current roads and bridges are in a state of disrepair, with many collapsing, which he believes should take precedence over new constructions. This perspective frames the ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project as an ill-timed and misdirected effort, diverting attention and funds from urgent maintenance and rehabilitation needs.

Mr. Uwaifo's assessment extends beyond specific projects, encompassing a broader view of the nation's condition. He described Nigeria as being in a "comatose state," indicating a deep-seated concern about the overall governance and strategic direction of the country. This stark characterization provides the backdrop for his critique of the Nigeria infrastructure project scrutiny, suggesting that fundamental issues must be addressed before undertaking grand new schemes.

Beyond his specific critique of the highway project, Mr. Uwaifo also directed sharp words towards the political establishment. He publicly labeled the APC-led National Assembly as a "total failure" and further described it as merely "an extension of the government." This strong condemnation reflects a perception of legislative ineffectiveness and a lack of independent oversight, which he implicitly links to the nation's current challenges.

Looking ahead, the SESSPN President Uwaifo emphasized that rescuing the country from its present "comatose state" should be the paramount issue dominating the 2027 election campaigns. This statement positions the debate over public procurement Nigeria legal opinion and the efficacy of government projects, such as the ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, at the forefront of future political discourse. His remarks signal that the performance and accountability of elected officials, particularly concerning infrastructure and resource management, will be critical determinants in the upcoming electoral cycle.

The intervention of a figure like Hannibal Uwaifo, SAN, carries significant weight, offering a high-level legal and professional perspective on critical national development issues. His assertion that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, now under construction, is a "white elephant project Nigeria" serves as a potent warning against potentially wasteful spending and misprioritization of national resources. Such high-profile legal criticism can influence public opinion, prompt greater scrutiny from civil society organizations, and potentially lead to increased due diligence requirements for future government contracts.

This public declaration by SESSPN President Uwaifo highlights the ongoing tension between ambitious development plans and the pressing need to maintain existing infrastructure. It underscores the importance of transparent public procurement processes and robust oversight, especially in a country grappling with significant economic and developmental challenges. The call for the 2027 elections to focus on national rescue further solidifies the idea that infrastructure development and government accountability will remain central themes in Nigeria's political and legal landscape.

This article highlights significant legal scrutiny and public concern from a prominent Senior Advocate of Nigeria regarding major infrastructure projects. Lawyers advising on public procurement or infrastructure development in Nigeria should be aware of such high-profile criticisms, as they can signal potential future legal challenges, increased due diligence requirements, or reputational risks associated with government contracts.

Source: Original reporting via TheNigeriaLawyer