In a shocking development, Nigerian Stories has revealed on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle that the highly anticipated Lagos-Calabar Road project is conspicuously absent from the 2025 national budget. This revelation comes in the wake of a controversial demolition exercise that had earlier cleared the path for the project, raising questions about the federal government’s priorities and transparency.
The announcement, sourced from Daily Trust, has sparked widespread outrage and concern among Nigerians, particularly those in the South-South and South-West regions, who have long yearned for improved connectivity and infrastructure. The Lagos-Calabar Road, envisioned as a critical economic artery, was expected to ease transportation, boost regional trade, and foster economic growth across the southern states.
The absence of the project from the budget has drawn the ire of citizens, advocacy groups, and political analysts. Many have taken to social media to express their dismay, accusing the government of neglecting vital infrastructure projects while prioritizing less impactful initiatives.
“After all the demolitions and displacements, how could such an important project be excluded from the budget? This is a betrayal of public trust,” lamented a user on X.
Others have called for an immediate explanation from the Ministry of Works and Housing, questioning whether the exclusion was due to oversight, funding constraints, or a deliberate policy shift.
Earlier in 2024, significant portions of residential and commercial properties along the proposed Lagos-Calabar Road corridor were demolished to pave the way for the project. The exercise, though met with stiff resistance, was justified by officials as a necessary sacrifice for national development. Now, with no budgetary allocation for the road, affected residents are left feeling deceived and stranded.
“They tore down our homes, promised us compensation, and assured us this road would be a game-changer. Now it feels like we’ve been scammed,” said a displaced resident of Oron, Akwa Ibom State.
Prominent stakeholders, including lawmakers and civil society organizations, have begun demanding accountability from the government. The National Assembly has been urged to investigate the circumstances surrounding the omission, while state governments in the affected regions have called for the reinstatement of the project in subsequent budget reviews.
“This is not just about the road; it’s about the credibility of governance in Nigeria. Projects of this magnitude cannot simply disappear without explanation,” remarked a senior economist.
The exclusion of the Lagos-Calabar Road from the 2025 budget raises broader concerns about the state of Nigeria’s infrastructure development and the government’s commitment to fulfilling its promises. Critics argue that this could deter potential investors and erode public confidence in future projects.
As Nigerians await an official statement from the federal government, the missing Lagos-Calabar Road project has become a symbol of dashed hopes and unfulfilled expectations. Will the government provide the answers and action the people demand, or will this project become another casualty of bureaucratic neglect?
Only time will tell.
PIONEER NEWS 