Nwawelugo Movement Demands Transparency Over $7bn Ogun Deep Seaport Project

 

By Stella Odueme 

The Team Nwawelugo Movement has urged the Federal Government to provide Nigerians with full details of the proposed $7 billion Ogun Deep Seaport project, questioning its financing, expected returns and priority amid the country’s pressing economic and security challenges.

The group made its position known in a statement issued on Saturday by High Chief Ikechukwu Cornelius Anonye, KSJI, on behalf of the Team Nwawelugo Movement.

The movement said while the development of modern port infrastructure could boost trade, attract investment and create jobs, the government needed to explain how the Ogun project would complement or address challenges surrounding existing non-functional and abandoned seaports across the country.

It also sought clarification on the extent of government involvement in financing the project and whether public funds or contingent liabilities would be committed to it.

According to the group, Nigerians deserve to know the expected economic benefits of the project, including projected employment opportunities, completion timeline and plans for commencing operations.

The movement said the government should equally disclose the safeguards being put in place to prevent cost overruns, project abandonment and non-transparent concession arrangements.

It noted that the country was facing significant challenges, including insecurity, food insecurity, unemployment, high business operating costs and rising living expenses.

“Government spending must be guided by transparency, urgency and demonstrable value to the people,” the statement said.

The group stressed that its concern was not against infrastructure development, but the need for clear prioritisation and accountability in the deployment of national resources.

It therefore called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and relevant government agencies to make public sufficient information about the Ogun Deep Seaport project and explain how the investment would contribute to Nigeria’s broader economic development.

The Team Nwawelugo Movement said Nigerians deserved infrastructure and economic opportunities, but also deserved transparency and policies that respond to their immediate security and welfare concerns.