Minister of Works Reveals Truth Behind Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Project, Counters Atiku’s Claims
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In a comprehensive rebuttal to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s claims regarding the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project, Minister of Works David Umahi asserted that the cost per kilometer would be N4 billion, refuting Atiku’s reported N8 billion estimate. Umahi made these clarifications during an appearance on the Television Continental News Hour program in Lagos, providing insight into the project’s procurement process. Contrary to claims of irregularities, Umahi emphasized that the contract was awarded on a counter-funding basis rather than through Public-Private Partnership (PPP), as widely alleged.
Umahi further elucidated that the entire project, upon completion, is projected to cost N2.8 trillion. This clarification comes amid skepticism raised by Atiku Abubakar, who questioned the transparency of the procurement process, particularly criticizing the decision to award the contract without competitive bidding. Atiku also challenged the administration’s allocation of N1.06 trillion for the pilot phase of the project, representing six percent of the total scope, which spans from Eko Atlantic to the Lekki Deep Sea Port.
Addressing concerns over escalating construction costs due to commodity price inflation and supply chain disruptions, Umahi reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to fiscal prudence. He pledged transparency in revealing the true cost of the project while emphasizing that the full appropriated amount had not yet been disbursed.
Umahi Unveils Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Strategy: Navigating Costs, Construction and Commitment to Transparency
Offering detailed insights into the project timeline and construction specifics, Umahi affirmed that the four-lane carriageway, utilizing concrete pavement, incurs a cost of N4 billion per kilometer. He underscored the importance of accurately assessing project parameters and design modifications to ensure cost efficiency, contrasting it with the methodology employed in the original design proposed by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
Umahi also clarified the mode of construction, distinguishing it from a Public-Private Partnership model. He reiterated that the project operates under an Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Finance (EPC+F) framework, similar to the approach adopted for the Abuja-Makurdi road project. Under this arrangement, the federal government assumes responsibility for a specified counterpart funding percentage, differing from the PPP model.
Highlighting ongoing infrastructure development initiatives, Umahi emphasized the government’s commitment to executing projects with fiscal discipline and adherence to established procurement frameworks. He concluded by affirming the administration’s dedication to ensuring transparency and accountability in all infrastructure undertakings, including the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project.
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This is a great project and it’s increase the efficiency of transportation system in the country, proper estimation should be done and we should be looking forward to the completion of the road .