Reducing and rerouting Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway midway is a procurement Abracadabra, NEFGAD Tells Umahi

By Taiwo Okanlawon

The Network for the Actualisation of Social Growth and Viable Development (NEFGAD), a public procurement advocacy group, has condemned the procurement process leading to the award of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project.

In a statement released on Tuesday by its Country Head, Mr. Akingunola Omoniyi, NEFGAD criticized the Works Minister, Mr. Dave Umahi, describing the procurement and implementation processes as “mere procurement abracadabra” that deviate from existing procurement regulations and common sense.

Mr. Akingunola expressed concern over the secrecy surrounding the procurement process, culminating in the award of the contract to Hitech Construction Company, a board member of CDK Industries Limited, one of Mr. Chagoury’s affiliate companies. According to Mr. Omoniyi, this connection warrants caution from the President, who is the final approving authority for the contract.

Given the magnitude and sophistication of the project, NEFGAD emphasized the need for a rigorous procurement process to ensure sustainability and cost-effectiveness. The absence of these elements, Mr. Akingunola argued, rendered the project unfit for its intended purpose.

Moreover, NEFGAD criticized how the properties of struggling Nigerians and thriving businesses, such as the Landmark Resort, were demolished. This destruction, they assert, was driven by the project’s lack of proper procurement diligence and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). The group called on the President to either cancel the project or initiate a comprehensive probe into the procurement process.

Additionally, NEFGAD condemned Minister Umahi’s recent announcement to reduce the project size from ten lanes to six lanes after construction had already commenced. Mr. Akingunola labelled this decision as another severe procurement anomaly that warrants sanctions.

In conclusion, Mr. Akingunola stated that the project’s handling is damaging the country’s image and the reputation of President Tinubu’s administration and called on the President to order a thorough review of the project.