By: Joy Musa
The Red Cap Movement of Nigeria, a prominent youth wing of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has sharply criticized the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government over the reported cost of renovating the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos.
In a statement by it’s spokesman Daure David released on Wednesday, the group expressed outrage over the alleged N3.6 trillion earmarked for the bridge’s renovation, comparing it to the original construction cost of N3 billion under the administration of former military president, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB).
“The Third Mainland Bridge was built by Gen. IBB with just N3 billion. Today, the APC government under President Bola Tinubu is spending N3.6 trillion merely to renovate it. This is not just alarming it’s an insult to the intelligence of Nigerians,” the statement read.
The Red Cap Movement accused the APC of financial recklessness and lack of transparency, calling for a full breakdown of the renovation budget and an independent audit of the project. “We demand accountability. Nigerians deserve to know how every kobo is being spent, especially at a time when the country is grappling with economic hardship,” the group added.
The youth group also questioned the priorities of the current administration, arguing that such a massive allocation could have been directed toward critical sectors like education, healthcare, and job creation.
“This is a clear case of misplaced priorities. While millions of young Nigerians remain unemployed and schools lack basic infrastructure, trillions are being funneled into a single renovation project,” the group said.
The APC has yet to respond to the allegations, but government officials have previously defended infrastructure spending as essential to national development and safety.
As public scrutiny intensifies, civil society organizations and opposition voices are expected to push for greater transparency and fiscal discipline in future government projects.
