The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project has been trailed by heavy controversy since it inception, in fact, you won’t be wrong if you say that it is the most controversial project in recent years.
Nigerians have bombarded the Federal Government with loads of questions as regards the Coastal Highway project.
Also, this project has come under heavy criticism from members of the opposition parties.
That is to show you how interested Nigerians are in this Coastal Highway project.
The controversy became so much that the House of Representatives decided to probe the 15 trillion Naira Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project.
Now, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, has expressed his readiness to confront the House of Representatives.
Live Hearing
Umahi announced his intention to broadcast the investigative hearing live, ensuring that the Nigerian public could witness the proceedings firsthand.
“I am ready to face the National Assembly to defend the project.
I will not want to say anything now till I meet with the senators and House of Reps members.
It will be live so you will also hear it. We want it live so that Nigerians will see it,” he said.
It was on Thursday that the House decided to probe the contentious infrastructure project.
The Coastal Highway project has been marred by allegations of procedural missteps and lack of competitive bidding.
The resolution came after the motion of urgent public importance was moved by Austin Achado, representing the Gwer East/Gwer West Federal Constituency of Benue State, during a plenary session.
Transparency
However, in a recent interview, Umahi defended the integrity of the project’s execution.
He revealed that all necessary approvals were obtained and due process followed.
“There is nothing to hide about this project,” Umahi stated, addressing concerns about the transparency of the financial arrangements and the selection of the contractor.
Furthermore, the minister echoed that the accusations regarding the procedural lapses in securing the loan for the project were unfounded.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway has been a subject of national interest due to its potential impact on economic activities along Nigeria’s coast.
The project stretches over 700 kilometres and is designed to link Lagos to Calabar.
It will pass through multiple states.
Economic Growth
The project aims to enhance connectivity and foster economic growth in the region.
Originally conceived during former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, the project has seen various revisions and funding models over successive governments.
Also Read: Lagos-Calabar Coastal Line: Lagos Beach Closed As Demolition Begins
Umahi highlighted that the current administration opted to expand the project from a four-lane to a ten-lane highway.
This significantly increased its scope and the associated costs.
The minister provided a detailed comparison of costs per kilometer, arguing that the project’s expenses are justified given the scale and the infrastructure benefits it promises.
Regarding compensation for properties affected by the project, Mrs Keisha Olukorede, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, informed that nine of the 11 property owners affected had received compensation, with the remaining two pending due to incomplete documentation.
