In a bid to address growing controversy surrounding the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, Minister of Works David Umahi has clarified that President Bola Tinubu did not recommend any specific company for the project. This statement comes amidst allegations of favoritism and corruption, particularly regarding the involvement of Hitech Construction Company Ltd.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is a major infrastructure development aimed at enhancing connectivity and economic growth across Nigeria. The project, valued at N15.6 trillion, has been a subject of debate due to its massive cost and the selection process of contractors.
During an inspection tour of the project, Umahi explained that Hitech Construction Company Ltd was selected based on their prior experience and equipment availability. He noted that the company's successful reconstruction of the Oworonshoki-Apapa Road and their possession of Wirtgen concrete pavers were key factors in their initial selection for Section 1 of the project through a restrictive bidding process approved by the Bureau for Public Procurement (BPP) and the Federal Executive Council.
As other companies acquired similar equipment, subsequent sections of the project were opened to selective bidding, which Hitech also won. Umahi emphasized that all procedures adhered to the law and the Procurement Act, ensuring transparency and fairness in the selection process.
Umahi also addressed criticisms from former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who labeled the project as wasteful and corrupt. The minister defended the project's strategic importance, highlighting its potential to reduce travel time and generate economic value by connecting major industrial zones and deep-sea ports. He urged critics to focus on the project's benefits rather than spreading unfounded allegations. In a broader appeal, Umahi encouraged leaders to engage in constructive dialogue rather than outright criticism.
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