Minister of Works, David Umahi, has assured the public that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project will continue as scheduled, despite ongoing legal challenges.
This ambitious 700-kilometer highway is set to extend from Victoria Island in Lagos to Calabar in Cross River State, traversing key states such as Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom.
According to The PUNCH, during a press briefing held in Abuja on Thursday, Umahi reiterated the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to the project’s completion.
He emphasized that all legal protocols and procedures required for such a large-scale infrastructure endeavor have been strictly adhered to.
Umahi addressed the issue of land acquisition, stating, “We are paying compensation. We are following the corridor right of way. We are following the corridor that is legally allowed for the federal government.”
He further expressed bewilderment over the legal challenge, remarking, “And so, we don’t know what they are taking to court.”
Concerns about the procurement process were also dispelled by the Minister, who highlighted that the project had received the necessary approvals from the Federal Executive Council under the Restrictive Procurement Act.
He emphasized the expertise within his ministry, saying, “My permanent secretary is a procurement expert, and I have a very good department of public procurement and good directors. But the project was approved by the Federal Executive Council under restrictive procurement.”
Umahi also defended the financial implications of the project, noting that comparisons with other international projects were often made without understanding the context.
He stated, “I’ve had to run even the cost of the project at 4 billion per kilometre. And yet, people still come to say, oh, this number of lanes in Egypt is 1.8 billion. And it is 300 kilometres,” criticizing the tendency to draw conclusions without adequate information.
The Minister further reassured stakeholders that all necessary environmental and social impact assessments had been duly conducted.
He confirmed, “We have EIA certificates on the project. That’s number one. Number two, was the project listed in the appropriation list? The project is in the 2023 supplementary appropriation.”
Umahi issued a stern warning to those attempting to obstruct the project through the courts, indicating that their efforts would be in vain.
“If they want to unduly benefit from the project by going to court, they are wasting their time,” he declared.
Drawing on his experience as a former governor, Umahi made it clear that he is prepared for any challenges that may arise, stating, “I fought many battles as governor of my state. And so, my name is David. And I’m not afraid of bad people.”
This highway project, anticipated to significantly boost economic activities and enhance connectivity along Nigeria’s coastal region, remains a top priority for the government, despite the hurdles it currently faces.
