The Nigerian minister of works, David Umahi, has defended the federal government’s decision to award the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project to Hitec. The move has drawn public and political scrutiny, with some questioning the choice of contractor. Umahi stated that the decision was based on technical evaluation and the company’s capacity to deliver the project.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is a key infrastructure project aimed at improving transportation and economic activity along Nigeria’s southern coast. The project, valued at over 120 billion naira, was announced in 2021 as part of the government’s plan to boost regional connectivity. Hitec, a Nigerian construction firm, was selected through a competitive bidding process.
This decision follows a series of infrastructure projects initiated by the federal government under President Muhammadu Buhari. The Coastal Highway is expected to reduce travel time between Lagos and Calabar, enhancing trade and economic integration. However, critics argue that the selection process lacked transparency and that the award was made without a complete design.
The project has been a topic of debate in Nigerian media and political circles. Some lawmakers have raised concerns about the lack of a finalized design before procurement, suggesting potential delays or cost overruns. Umahi has not yet provided further details on the evaluation criteria used to select Hitec.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway remains a priority for the Nigerian government, with ongoing efforts to finalize the project’s planning and implementation. The outcome of this decision could influence future infrastructure contracts and public trust in government procurement processes.
