Nigeria's Minister of Works, David Umahi, has clarified that President Bola Tinubu did not direct him to award the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project to Hitech Construction Company. Umahi made this statement on a recent television program, emphasizing that he took full responsibility for the procurement process. The minister's comments come amid controversy surrounding the project's award and funding. Umahi also highlighted his personal and professional integrity, stating that he is accountable for his decisions.
The controversy surrounding the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project has sparked debate over the procurement process and potential money laundering concerns. Umahi dismissed these suggestions, citing the law that permits different forms of procurement, including restrictive selective tendering for urgent projects. According to the minister, the law allows for various procurement methods, including advertising and selective tendering for projects that require immediate attention.
Umahi explained that Hitech Construction Company was selected due to its experience in tackling coastal erosion and restoring Victoria Island in Lagos. The company had previously undertaken work in Lagos, demonstrating its capacity to deal with coastal erosion. The minister emphasized that the company's methodology was effective in killing the ocean menace and restoring Victoria Island, which informed the decision to use Hitech for the coastal highway project.
The minister also addressed concerns about President Tinubu's friendship with Hitech's owner, Lebanese-Nigerian billionaire Gilbert Chagoury, influencing the award. Umahi rejected this suggestion, stating that the president's relationship with Chagoury had no bearing on the procurement process. He emphasized that he takes full responsibility for his decisions and that the procurement process followed due diligence.
Umahi further clarified that the coastal highway project did not require approval from the National Assembly, as only the borrowing plan needs to be approved by lawmakers. The minister explained that the project's procurement process did not involve the National Assembly, but rather the Bureau of Public Procurement, which reviewed and approved the process.
The Federal Government is constructing hydraulic channels and service lanes to help evacuate floodwater into the lagoon and improve access for residents along the corridor. Umahi noted that some drainage channels built by the Lagos State Government were either blocked or inadequate to evacuate floodwater effectively. The minister emphasized that the project aims to solve flooding problems and improve life for residents in Lagos State.
The coastal highway is expected to last between 50 and 100 years with low maintenance, according to Umahi. The minister expressed confidence in the project's design and construction, which aims to provide a durable and sustainable solution to the region's transportation and flooding challenges.
Key points
- Minister of Works David Umahi denies President Bola Tinubu directed him to award the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project to Hitech Construction Company.
- Umahi explains that Hitech was selected due to its experience in tackling coastal erosion and restoring Victoria Island in Lagos.
- The minister clarifies that the project's procurement process did not require approval from the National Assembly, but rather the Bureau of Public Procurement.
