Critics react as more public facilities are named after Tinubu
The Federal Government’s move to rename the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway after Bola Tinubu has sparked criticism from various quarters. Several public figures and groups accuse the administration of personalising public assets and promoting sycophancy. Supporters, however, argue that naming infrastructure after leaders is not unusual in Nigeria and Africa. The debate continues as more facilities bear Tinubu's name.
What we know
- The Minister of Works, David Umahi, announced the renaming of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway after Bola Tinubu during a media briefing in Abuja.
- Since 2023, six public facilities have been named after Tinubu, including the National Assembly library in May 2024, the Nigeria Immigration Service Command and Control Centre in December 2024, and the Nigerian Army barracks in January 2025.
- The Abuja International Conference Centre was renamed the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in June 2025.
- Critics like Bolaji Abdullahi, Dr Yinusa Tanko, and Bode George argue that the trend represents sycophancy and the personalisation of public property.
- Supporters, including Hazeem Gbolarumi and Professor Christopher Imumolen, say the focus should be on the economic impact and completion of the projects rather than their names.
