Political opposition demands transparency and an independent engineering audit for the coastal highway project.
The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) Presidential Campaign Organisation has demanded the immediate publication of all relevant procurement and payment records regarding the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project in Nigeria.
Felix Hyat, the Director-General of the Makinde-Daura Presidential Campaign Organisation, made these demands during a press briefing held on Tuesday in Abuja, criticizing the current administration for operating with opaque contracts.
The call for accountability comes after the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, announced a controversial route realignment, according to information published by The Sun Nigeria.
Demands for Procurement and Payment Records Disclosure
The political campaign organisation called for an independent engineering assessment of the recent highway realignment specifically in Ondo State, alongside a comprehensive financial audit of the entire multi-trillion-naira infrastructure undertaking.
Felix Hyat stated that while the West African nation is in dire need of modern infrastructure, it does not require opaque contracts and expensive excuses from government officials overseeing public funds.
Concerns Over Technical Incompetence and Route Realignment
The announcement regarding the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway route changes has brought to the fore serious allegations of technical and planning incompetence, as well as policy inconsistencies within the Ministry of Works.
According to the opposition group, the afterthought realignment serves as an admission of a failure in proper planning and a gross underestimation of critical engineering challenges along the coastal terrain.
Environmental Impact Assessment and Statutory Violations
Minister David Umahi cited vague reasons involving climate change and environmental challenges to justify the recent adjustments, raising questions about the initial planning phases of the federal road initiative.
This justification confirms that the administration embarked on the massive undertaking without required statutory environmental impact assessments, in gross violation of extant laws governing public projects.
Financial Accountability and Lack of Open Competitive Bidding
The political body emphasized that the project was originally conceived and awarded in 2024 without an approved engineering design, open competitive bidding, or budgetary provisions from the National Assembly.
Furthermore, the Federal Government has remained completely silent on the expected plunge in project costs after redirecting the highway to an already existing road, raising significant financial accountability issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project?
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is a multi-trillion-naira infrastructure undertaking initiated by the administration of President Bola Tinubu in Nigeria.
Who is demanding the procurement and payment records?
The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) Presidential Campaign Organisation, through Director-General Felix Hyat, demanded the immediate publication of these records.
What are the main criticisms against Minister David Umahi?
Minister David Umahi faces allegations of technical incompetence, planning failures, and lack of transparency regarding the route realignment and initial contract awards.
Why are critics questioning the environmental assessments?
Critics note that citing climate change and environmental challenges late in the process confirms the project started without statutory environmental impact assessments.
