Minister Commits To Transparent Probe Of Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Project

Minister Commits To Transparent Probe Of Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Project

The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has declared his preparedness to address the House of Representatives inquiry into the N15 trillion Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, assuring that the proceedings will be broadcasted live for public scrutiny.….CONTINUE READING

Umahi’s announcement follows the House’s decision to investigate the controversial infrastructure project, which has been plagued by allegations of procedural irregularities and lack of competitive bidding.

During a plenary session, a motion of urgent public importance was raised by Austin Achado, representing the Gwer East/Gwer West Federal Constituency of Benue State, leading to the House’s resolution to probe the matter.

In an interview with Punch Newspaper, Umahi vehemently defended the project’s integrity, asserting that all requisite approvals were obtained and due process adhered to.

“There is nothing to hide about this project,” Umahi affirmed, addressing concerns regarding transparency in financial arrangements and contractor selection.

The minister also refuted allegations of procedural lapses in securing the loan for the project, emphasizing that such claims were unfounded.

The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, spanning over 700 kilometres and designed to connect Lagos to Calabar, has attracted national attention due to its potential impact on economic activities along Nigeria’s coastline.

Originally conceptualized during the tenure of former President Goodluck Jonathan, the project has undergone several revisions and funding models over successive administrations.

Umahi revealed that the current government decided to expand the project from a four-lane to a ten-lane highway, significantly increasing its scope and associated costs.

Providing a detailed breakdown of costs per kilometer, the minister argued that the project’s expenses are justified given its scale and the anticipated infrastructure benefits.

Regarding compensation for properties affected by the project, Mrs. Keisha Olukorede, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, disclosed that nine out of the 11 property owners affected had already received compensation, with the remaining two pending due to incomplete documentation.

As Umahi commits to transparently addressing the House’s inquiries, the live broadcast of the proceedings is expected to provide Nigerians with direct insight into the matter, fostering accountability and public trust in the government’s handling of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project.