The Federal Government has reiterated that the procurement process for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway contract was followed diligently. Minister of Works, David Umahi, emphasized that the 700-kilometer, 10-lane highway project was conceived as an Engineering, Procurement and Construction plus Financing (EPC+F) endeavor. This model involves partial funding by the Federal Government.
Responding to allegations of conflict of interest raised by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the Presidency dismissed claims that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's son, Seyi, being on the board of a sister company involved in the project, constituted a conflict. The Presidency stated that Seyi Tinubu is entitled to pursue his legitimate business interests.
The road project, considered one of the largest in Africa, was awarded to Hitech Construction Company Ltd and is set to link nine states. Umahi clarified that the approval process involved the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and the Federal Executive Council (FEC), as mandated by law. He emphasized that the project followed due process, with the BPP issuing a certificate of no objection in accordance with the Procurement Act.
Regarding the Environment and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) report, Umahi stated that preliminary approval was granted in December 2023 and renewed in January. He assured that the project would adhere to legal requirements, with compensation for property owners subject to verified titles. Properties without Federal government titles within the 250-meter shoreline setback will not be compensated.
The project, a key part of the infrastructure plan of the Tinubu Presidency, has garnered support from many Nigerians, including Southsouth state governors who described it as laudable. They pledged their full support for its speedy completion. Opposition figures like Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi have criticized the project, using it as a point of contention with the government.
