The Federal Government (FG) defended awarding the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project to Hitech Construction, addressing transparency concerns.
Works Minister Dave Umahi clarified this during a Saturday Lagos inspection, stressing legal compliance.
He explained Nigeria’s procurement laws permit restrictive, selective, or open bidding. Responding to criticism, Umahi noted restrictive bidding suited the project’s specialized concrete-paving needs initially.
“We legally recognize three procurement methods,” Umahi stated.
Initially scarce here, advanced concrete technology justified our innovative approach from the project’s start.
The minister emphasized that prioritizing concrete paving effectively tackled coastal terrain challenges, particularly high water tables.
He emphasized Hitech Construction’s expertise, proven in projects like Lagos’s Oworonshoki-Apapa Road reconstruction.
Umahi stated, “We recognized their success, so we engaged them for Section 1.”
He confirmed the BPP and Federal Executive Council reviewed and approved Section 1’s restricted bidding.
As companies adopted concrete paving equipment, subsequent sections opened for selective bidding, aligning with the government’s technical requirements.
This shift ensured competitive yet qualified participation in the project.
“We selected some companies and they bid. Hitech won the bidding,” Umahi stated, referencing Sections 2, 3A, and 3B of the highway.
The minister dismissed allegations of favoritism or undue influence in awarding the contract to Hitech, categorically stating that the FG had no involvement in the selection process. “I want to say that there is no corruption in it. It is very transparent,” he declared.
Umahi reiterated that all phases of the project conformed to the Procurement Act and underscored the government’s commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in its infrastructure initiatives.
He emphasized that adopting concrete paving technology spurred innovation in Nigeria’s construction sector.
As a result, firms boosted investments in advanced equipment, spurring rapid industrial innovation nationwide. This momentum directly enhanced productivity and competitiveness across sectors.
Simultaneously, companies prioritized modern machinery, accelerating technological growth and strengthening critical infrastructure development. Such efforts fostered long-term economic resilience and streamlined operational efficiency.
Active collaboration now fuels sustained sectoral transformation
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is a critical infrastructure project aimed at enhancing connectivity along Nigeria’s coastal regions. By leveraging modern construction techniques and adhering to legal procurement standards, the government seeks to deliver a durable and sustainable road network that will bolster economic growth and regional integration.
