He said projects of such magnitude should be backed by clear economic justification and public accountability.
Speaking during an interview on SYMFONI, Odinkalu maintained that major infrastructure investments should address pressing developmental needs and deliver measurable benefits to citizens. He argued that transparency was essential whenever public resources were committed to large projects.
He expressed concern about the justification for the coastal highway, saying many Nigerians were still seeking convincing explanations for its urgency and expected economic impact. According to him, government officials should clearly explain the basis for undertaking the project.
During the discussion, Odinkalu said, “The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway only makes sense if it's being used to build a political war chest.”
He made the remark while questioning what he believed could be the political motivations behind the project.
He argued that if political interests were influencing the project more than national development priorities, the public had a right to demand greater transparency. He said infrastructure projects should always serve the broader public interest.
Odinkalu stated that governments are expected to allocate public funds based on objective national needs rather than political calculations. He added that citizens deserve to understand how major financial decisions are reached.
He also stressed that projects financed with taxpayers' money should be subject to rigorous oversight and continuous public scrutiny. According to him, openness is necessary to strengthen confidence in public institutions.
The professor noted that the scale of the highway project made it important for government agencies to provide detailed information on its funding, procurement process, expected benefits, and long-term economic value. He said such disclosures would help address public concerns.
He maintained that accountability is a fundamental requirement in democratic governance, particularly where large infrastructure projects are involved. He argued that transparent decision-making reduces speculation and strengthens public trust.
Odinkalu concluded that questions surrounding the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway would likely remain part of public discourse until authorities provide comprehensive explanations addressing the concerns raised about the project's purpose, financing, and overall national significance.
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