Senator David Umahi, the Minister of Works, has affirmed his readiness to confront the House of Representatives probe regarding the N15 trillion Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway road project controversy. He expressed his intention to broadcast the proceedings live, ensuring transparency for all Nigerians.
Umahi emphasized that there is no secrecy surrounding the project, asserting that he and the Ministry of Works diligently followed due process, securing the required approvals and documentation for the project’s commencement.In an exclusive interview with Saturday PUNCH on Friday, the minister stated that the assertion that the loan procured to finalize the project lacked due process was false.
However, he also mentioned that the issue is currently under review by the National Assembly, stating his preference not to provide further comments on it.
“I am prepared to address the National Assembly to advocate for the project. I prefer not to comment until I’ve met with the senators and House of Representatives members. The proceedings will be live, allowing everyone to hear it firsthand. This transparency will enable Nigerians to witness it,” he emphasized.
On Thursday, the House of Representatives decided to investigate the ongoing N15 trillion Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project.
Minister David Umahi, the Minister of Works, has affirmed his willingness to confront the House of Representatives’ probe into the N15 trillion Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway road project controversy. He stated his intention to ensure that the proceedings are broadcasted live for all Nigerians to witness.
Umahi emphasized that there is no intention to conceal any aspect of the project, emphasizing that he and the Ministry of Works meticulously adhered to due process, obtaining all necessary approvals and documentation for the project’s initiation.
During an exclusive interview with Saturday PUNCH, Umahi dismissed claims that the loan acquired for the project was not obtained through due process, labeling them as false. However, he refrained from further commentary, citing the ongoing review by the National Assembly.
“I am prepared to address the National Assembly to defend the project. I prefer not to comment until I’ve met with the senators and House of Representatives members. The proceedings will be live, allowing everyone to hear it firsthand. This transparency will enable Nigerians to witness it,” he emphasized.
The House of Representatives, on Thursday, resolved to investigate the ongoing N15 trillion Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, deciding to establish an ad-hoc committee tasked with investigating the project and submitting a report within four weeks.
This resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance during plenary, initiated by Austin Achado, the member representing Gwer East/Gwer West Federal Constituency of Benue State.
Furthermore, the House resolved to summon the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN; the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, and the Minister of Works, Umahi, to provide additional insight into the project.
Despite criticisms, the Ministry of Works defended the project, asserting that it strictly adhered to due process. The ministry also highlighted the support pledged by members of the House of Representatives for the project.
The coastal highway project, spanning 700 kilometers, has garnered both praise and scrutiny since its approval during the Bola Tinubu administration in February. The 10-lane coastal road aims to link Lagos to Cross River, traversing Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom states before reaching Calabar, the capital of Cross River State.
The project garnered attention during the tenures of former Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari but faced delays in commencing.
During Jonathan’s administration, the estimated cost of the highway was $12 billion, which later reduced to $11.1 billion under Buhari’s leadership. Additionally, the initial plan for a four-lane double carriageway was expanded to a 10-lane highway.
Umahi revealed that the construction of the coastal road was projected to take eight years, with an estimated cost of N4 billion per kilometer.
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