Sen. Dave Umahi, Nigeria’s Minister of Works, has refuted allegations of political interference in the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, asserting that its procurement was transparent and lawful. He emphasized Hitech Construction Company’s selection followed stringent criteria, aiming to elevate Nigeria’s infrastructure standards amid ongoing controversy over integrity in public procurement.
LAGOS, Nigeria — In a dramatic twist that has stirred the corridors of power, Sen. Dave Umahi, the Minister of Works, vehemently denied allegations that President Bola Tinubu had any undue influence in awarding the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project.
In a detailed inspection tour of the project in Lagos, Umahi laid bare the rigorous procurement process, asserting that the selection of Hitech Construction Company Ltd was both transparent and fully compliant with Nigerian law.
At the heart of the controversy were claims that political patronage played a role in the awarding of this high-profile project.
However, Umahi was unequivocal: “There is no corruption in it. It is very transparent,” he declared, dismissing any insinuations of behind-the-scenes meddling.
The minister categorically stated that President Tinubu did not recommend any company for the highway project, a comment that has reverberated through political circles and sparked fierce debates among critics and supporters alike.
A Robust and Legal Procurement Process
According to Umahi, the selection process was anchored in three legally-sanctioned types of procurement: restrictive procurement, selective/competitive bidding, and open bidding.
This multi-layered approach was designed to ensure that only the most qualified companies could bid for the project.
“When we started this project, we asked for companies that had up to five wirtgne concrete paver,” he explained, highlighting the stringent technical criteria.
This was a significant move, as concrete pavers were relatively novel in Nigeria at the time, making it imperative to engage a company with proven expertise in pioneering projects.
Hitech Construction emerged as the ideal candidate after its commendable performance in reconstructing the Oworonshoki Apapa Road—a project that had set high standards for quality and efficiency.
The decision to award the contract to Hitech was not arbitrary; it was the result of a meticulously controlled competitive process.
The ministry employed restrictive bidding for Section 1, a strategy that was closely monitored and approved by both the Bureau for Public Procurement and the Federal Executive Council.
As competitors scrambled to match the ministry’s insistence on utilising state-of-the-art concrete equipment—especially in areas challenged by a high water table—Hitech’s superior track record shone through, cementing its position as the frontrunner.
Sensational Claims and the Battle for Integrity
The allegations that followed the project’s announcement have ignited a fierce debate about political interference in Nigeria’s infrastructure development.
Critics have argued that high-level political figures often tip the scales in favour of certain companies. However, Umahi’s candid explanations have provided a robust counter-narrative, insisting that all procedures were executed within the confines of the law and without any personal influence from the President.
This assertive defence of the procurement process has resonated with many, fuelling a broader conversation about the integrity and accountability of Nigeria’s public procurement systems.
Implications for Nigeria’s Infrastructure Ambitions
Beyond the political sparring, the successful execution of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project represents a landmark achievement in Nigeria’s drive towards modern infrastructure.
The project is expected to transform transportation networks, boost regional economic integration, and create a ripple effect of development opportunities along its route.
The emphasis on using advanced construction methods and high-quality materials underscores the government’s commitment to setting new benchmarks in public works.
In conclusion, while the controversy continues to attract attention, Sen. Umahi’s emphatic clarifications have reasserted the government’s stance on transparency and merit-based procurement.
With Hitech Construction at the helm, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway stands as a testament to Nigeria’s potential to achieve world-class infrastructure, free from the taint of political interference.
- Additional report from Taiwo Adebowale, Atlantic Post Senior Business Correspondent
