Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Press Release
Published on 2024-04-11 22:25:38
Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2023 election, criticized the claim made by Works Minister Dave Umahi about the cost of the 700km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project. Umahi stated that the project would tentatively cost N15.6 trillion, which Atiku described as wasteful and a gateway to fraud. Atiku also took issue with the alteration of the project’s initial plan after Gilbert Chagoury’s Hitech was awarded the contract without any competitive bidding.
Umahi announced on various TV stations that the road project would cost N15.6 trillion, and he mentioned that the rail project would be costed separately. He clarified that the project would not be a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) and that the government would provide 15%-30% counterpart financing. In response, Atiku pointed out that the tentative cost of the project is equivalent to the total budget of all 36 states in Nigeria combined.
Atiku raised concerns about the lack of competitive bidding for the project and questioned Umahi’s change in the project’s financing model. He pointed out discrepancies in Umahi’s statements about the project’s funding and criticized the lack of transparency in the process. Atiku highlighted that the total budget for the project in the 2024 budget was significantly lower than the amount allegedly released by the Tinubu administration.
Furthermore, Atiku questioned the omission of the railway component in the cost estimate provided by Umahi. He emphasized the need to disclose the total cost of the project, considering the potential additional cost of the railway component. Atiku also criticized the decision to award the project to Hitech without competitive bidding and highlighted the importance of competitive bidding for ensuring value for money.
Atiku called on the National Assembly to fulfill its oversight responsibilities and investigate the project. He accused Umahi of attempting to deceive the public about the project’s appropriation and funding. Atiku urged for more transparency and accountability in the handling of such major infrastructure projects to avoid wastage of public funds.
In conclusion, Atiku expressed skepticism about the cost and handling of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project and emphasized the importance of transparency, competitive bidding, and accountability in government projects. He called for a review of the project’s financing and for proper oversight by government institutions to prevent mismanagement and corruption.
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