Abuja, Nigeria – The Nigerian House of Representatives has launched an investigation into the controversial Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project. The probe focuses on the procurement process and contract award, which are suspected to violate existing infrastructure regulations. Additionally, the prominent Yoruba socio-political group Afenifere has urged the federal government to cease the project, advocating for a critical review of its economic and environmental implications.
Alleged Procurement Violations
The House of Representatives initiated the investigation upon a motion presented by Hon. Dr. Austin Achado. He alleges that the Federal Ministry of Works, led by Minister Dave Umahi, awarded the 700km highway and rail project to Hitech Construction Company Nigeria Limited through an Engineering Procurement Construction and Finance (EPC+F) contract. This, Achado argues, is in breach of the Infrastructure Concession and Regulatory Commission Act 2005.
According to the Act, public infrastructure projects must be subject to open, competitive bidding advertised in at least three national newspapers. Direct negotiations may only take place after exhausting this option. Achado asserts that this mandatory process was not followed in the case of the coastal highway project.
See Also: Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Project Followed Due Process – Umahi
Project Details and Concerns
The multi-billion dollar Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is estimated to cost approximately N4.329 billion per kilometer. Its design includes a 59.7-meter wide reinforced concrete carriageway with 10 lanes, shoulders, a rail line, service ducts, street lights, drainages and shore protection. The project’s financing structure requires a 15-30% contribution from the federal government while the private sector covers the balance. Upon completion, the road will be tolled for at least 15 years to recoup project costs.
Afenifere Calls for Urgent Halt
The Afenifere group, through its Publicity Secretary Justice Faloye, strongly opposes the project. It raises concerns about socioeconomic burdens on Nigeria’s struggling economy and the severe environmental consequences. Afenifere also highlights the potential negative impact on existing infrastructural developments, particularly the $12 billion Lagos-Calabar railway project along the East-West Road.
Afenifere further contends that the coastal highway project violates the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Act by lacking the mandatory ESIA report. This lack of environmental impact studies is particularly concerning because of the potential damage to natural fauna and fragile coastal mangrove swamps.
House of Representatives Takes Action
In response to these allegations, the House of Representatives has ordered Minister Umahi, the Minister of Finance, and the Attorney-General of the Federation to submit all guarantees and credit-related instruments connected to the project for approval by the National Assembly. Furthermore, an Ad-Hoc Committee will be set up to thoroughly investigate the procurement process, with a report due within four weeks.
Source: This Day