Allegations Against Seyi Tinubu: Coastal Highway Project Faces Integrity Questions
The construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway has taken a contentious turn with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar alleging a conflict of interest involving Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Abubakar, who ran as the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 elections, claims that Seyi Tinubu’s position as a director on the board of CDK Integrated Industries, a subsidiary of the Chagoury Group, raises questions about the impartiality of the contract awarded to Hitech Construction Company Ltd, another Chagoury Group entity.
According to a report from the Paris-based Africa Intelligence News Agency cited by Abubakar, Seyi Tinubu has established business ties with the owners of Hitech Construction Company Ltd, prompting concerns about favoritism in the bidding process.
These allegations have prompted Prime Reporters to investigate further, confirming Seyi Tinubu’s directorship on CDK Integrated Industries’ website, adding weight to Abubakar’s claims.
In response to the allegations, Abubakar accuses Tinubu of prioritizing familial business interests over national welfare, asserting that the coastal highway project lacked transparency and competitive bidding.
The initiation of the 700km Lagos-Calabar coastal road construction by the federal government has ignited public scrutiny, particularly regarding funding sources and the potential impact on affected businesses.
Seyi Tinubu’s involvement in CDK Integrated Industries, a manufacturer of ceramic tiles and sanitary towels under the Chagoury Group umbrella, brings further attention to the conglomerate’s operations. Founded in 1971 by Gilbert and Ronald Chagoury, Nigerian-born brothers of Lebanese descent, the group has diversified interests spanning construction, real estate, hospitality, glass, and flour milling.
As these allegations cast a shadow over the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, stakeholders await clarification from relevant authorities, raising concerns about the integrity of the contract process and its implications for national development.