By Osaigbovo Okungbowa, Senior Political Correspondent
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Lagos-Calabar highway project has become the epicenter of a raging controversy, with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar challenging the transparency and legitimacy of the initiative spearheaded by the Tinubu administration. Amidst allegations of opaque contracting processes and exorbitant costs, the project’s trajectory raises pertinent questions about accountability, public procurement, and infrastructural development in Nigeria. In this comprehensive report, we delve into the intricacies of the Lagos-Calabar highway project, exploring the key players, financial implications, and socio-economic ramifications.
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Background of the Project
The Lagos-Calabar highway project, envisioned as a critical infrastructure link spanning the southern coastal region of Nigeria, aims to bolster connectivity, facilitate trade, and spur economic growth. Stretching from Lagos in the west to Calabar in the east, the ambitious undertaking holds immense promise for enhancing transportation networks and unlocking the region’s vast potential. However, recent revelations regarding the project’s execution and financing have cast a shadow of doubt over its feasibility and efficacy.
Atiku’s Challenge to Tinubu’s Administration
Former Presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has mounted a scathing critique of the Tinubu administration’s handling of the Lagos-Calabar highway project, questioning the lack of transparency and accountability in its execution. In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Public Communication, Atiku demanded full disclosure of the project’s cost, funding sources, and contractual arrangements. Central to his concerns is the alleged awarding of the contract to Gilbert Chagoury’s Hitech without a competitive bidding process, raising suspicions of cronyism and favouritism.
Key Posers Raised by Atiku
Atiku’s statement poses a series of probing questions to the Tinubu administration, highlighting glaring inconsistencies and potential irregularities surrounding the project:
- Total Cost of the Project: Atiku seeks clarity on the overall cost of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway, urging transparency in financial disclosure.
- Public Funding vs. PPP: He questions why the project is being predominantly financed by the Nigerian government rather than through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, raising concerns about fiscal prudence.
- Commencement from Eko Atlantic: The decision to initiate the project from Chagoury’s Eko Atlantic raises eyebrows, prompting scrutiny of vested interests and strategic considerations.
- Expenditure on Pilot Phase: Atiku queries the allocation of N1.06 trillion for the pilot phase, covering a mere 47 kilometers, casting doubts on the cost-effectiveness of the endeavor.
- Approval by National Assembly: The absence of approval from the National Assembly for the substantial funding allocation raises constitutional and procedural concerns.
- Competitive Bidding Process: He questions the absence of a competitive bidding process, highlighting potential breaches of procurement regulations and principles of fair competition.
- Rapid Design and Right of Way Acquisition: Atiku challenges the expedited timeline for project design and right of way acquisition, raising doubts about the thoroughness and legitimacy of the process.
Call for Transparency and Accountability
In the spirit of transparency and accountability, Atiku urges the Tinubu administration to provide detailed responses to each of the posers outlined, in accordance with the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act. He condemns the resort to insults and deflection in lieu of substantive engagement, emphasizing the importance of open dialogue and public scrutiny in democratic governance.
Implications and Way Forward
The brewing controversy surrounding the Lagos-Calabar highway project underscores broader challenges confronting Nigeria’s infrastructure development agenda. As stakeholders grapple with allegations of impropriety and lack of oversight, the need for robust institutional mechanisms and adherence to best practices in project implementation becomes imperative. Moving forward, concerted efforts must be made to address concerns raised by Atiku and other critics, ensuring transparency, accountability, and equitable distribution of resources in infrastructural endeavors.
Conclusion
The clash between Atiku and the Tinubu administration over the Lagos-Calabar highway project epitomizes the complexities of governance and development in Nigeria. As political actors trade barbs and accusations, the fate of critical infrastructure projects hangs in the balance, with far-reaching implications for national progress and prosperity. It is incumbent upon all stakeholders to prioritize transparency, uphold the rule of law, and uphold the public interest in the pursuit of sustainable development and inclusive growth. Only through collective action and unwavering commitment to democratic principles can Nigeria surmount the challenges and realize its full potential as a dynamic and resilient nation.
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