The Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi, defended the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project against accusations of nepotism in its procurement process. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar raised concerns over the contract awarded to HiTech Construction without public bidding, alleging favoritism due to the president’s personal ties with the company’s chairman. Umahi dismissed these allegations, stating that the project strictly adhered to the Procurement Act’s guidelines.
See Also: David Hundeyin: Coastal Road Project Awarded to Company Tied to Convicted Criminal
According to Umahi, the project followed the EPC+F procurement process, wherein the investor provides designs, financing, and construction services, while the government pays counterpart funds. The bid for the project went through Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) scrutiny, resulting in a competitive price lower than previous similar projects. The BPP issued a “No Objection” certificate, endorsed by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
Umahi refuted claims linking the President’s son to CDK Integrated Industries Ltd, stating that the bidding company was Hitech Construction Company Nigeria Ltd, a separate entity. He dismissed Atiku’s allegations as baseless and politically motivated, aimed at misleading the public.
Source: Leadership