Table of Contents
Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has responded to criticisms from Atiku Abubakar regarding the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, asserting that the former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) misunderstood its financial structure and underestimated its economic benefits.
Umahi, in a statement on the Ministry of Works’ website on Tuesday, emphasized that the highway aims to connect various Nigerian regions, stretching from Badagry to Sokoto and linking with the African Trans Sahara Road.
Join our Telegram Channel for Updates
He highlighted its role in integrating the nation and providing significant economic opportunities.
Regarding Atiku’s concerns about the project’s financial details and funding arrangement, Umahi argued that Atiku lacks comprehension of the financial intricacies and failed to acknowledge the government’s commitment to fiscal responsibility.
“He lacks understanding of the figures. I will provide detailed figures for him to comprehend, and he will realize the prudence of President Tinubu’s administration. He will understand the emphasis on prudence in this administration,” Umahi elaborated.
The statement also revealed Umahi’s upcoming visit to Lagos from April 10 to 12, 2024, for a press conference where he will present comprehensive financial data on the administration’s construction projects, demonstrating the Federal Government’s transparency.
“I will present the figures during the press conference in Lagos from 10th April 2024 to 12th April 2024. Nigerians will see the achievements of this present administration,” Umahi added.
Furthermore, the Minister of Works disclosed that the project’s third section is scheduled to commence in Calabar by July 2024, countering Atiku’s assertion about its progress beyond Lagos to Calabar in Cross River State.
Background
In a statement issued on Sunday, Atiku Abubakar, through his media adviser Paul Ibe, criticized the Federal Executive Council’s approval of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway construction managed by Hitech Construction Africa.
Atiku raised concerns about the project’s transparency and financial clarity, particularly highlighting its lack of competitive bidding. He pointed out inconsistencies, noting contradictory statements from Works Minister Dave Umahi regarding the project’s funding requirements.
He also suggested potential conflicts of interest, alleging that the project benefits President Bola Tinubu and the owners of Hitech, the Chagoury Group, particularly in the phase linking Ahmadu Bello Way to the Lekki Deep Sea Port.
Additionally, Atiku expressed doubt about the project’s extension beyond Lagos to Calabar, citing past incomplete projects managed by Hitech, such as the Lekki-Epe Expressway.
He also highlighted concerns about job losses and investments threatened by the demolition of Landmark Beach Resort in Oniru.
