Nigeria's Minister of Works, David Umahi, has stated that President Bola Tinubu did not influence the awarding of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project to Hitech Construction Company. Umahi emphasized that he took full responsibility for the procurement process, which has been surrounded by controversy. He made these comments during an appearance on Channels Television's Politics Today. The minister asserted that Tinubu never directed him to award the contract to Hitech.
Umahi explained that Hitech was selected due to its experience in addressing coastal erosion and restoring Victoria Island. The company had previously undertaken work in Lagos, demonstrating its capacity to deal with coastal erosion. The minister defended the procurement process, stating that the law permits different forms of procurement, including restrictive selective tendering for urgent projects. This process allowed for the selection of Hitech without a public advertisement.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project has been a subject of controversy, particularly regarding the Federal Government's decision to award the project to Hitech through a special procurement process. Umahi clarified that the law allows for different procurement methods and that the project was not presented to the National Assembly for approval because lawmakers' approval is required for the borrowing plan, not the procurement itself. The project aims to construct hydraulic channels and service lanes to help evacuate floodwater into the lagoon and improve access for residents along the corridor.
Umahi rejected suggestions that Tinubu's friendship with Gilbert Chagoury, the owner of Hitech, influenced the awarding of the contract. He emphasized that his procurement decisions are based on merit and not personal relationships. The minister also stated that the President gave him the job to do and that the Bureau of Public Procurement must approve all projects. Umahi expressed confidence in his integrity and decision-making process.
The Minister of Works highlighted the efforts being made to address flooding along the coastal highway corridor. He explained that the Federal Government is constructing hydraulic channels and service lanes to help evacuate floodwater into the lagoon. Some drainage channels built by the Lagos State Government were either blocked or inadequate to effectively evacuate floodwater. The project aims to create service lanes and hydraulic channels to improve access and reduce flooding.
Umahi discussed the expected lifespan of the coastal highway, stating that it will last between 50 and 100 years with low maintenance. The project is expected to have a significant impact on the region, improving access and reducing flooding. The minister emphasized that the project is not just about constructing a highway but also about addressing the broader issues of flooding and coastal erosion.
The controversy surrounding the procurement and funding of the coastal highway has sparked debate. Umahi's explanations aim to provide clarity on the procurement process and the selection of Hitech Construction Company. The minister's assertions that Tinubu did not influence the awarding of the contract and that he takes full responsibility for the procurement process are aimed at addressing concerns about the project's legitimacy.
Key points
- - The Minister of Works, David Umahi, denies that President Bola Tinubu influenced the awarding of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project to Hitech Construction Company. - Umahi explains that Hitech was selected due to its experience in addressing coastal erosion and restoring Victoria Island. - The project aims to construct hydraulic channels and service lanes to help evacuate floodwater into the lagoon and improve access for residents along the corridor.
