At this time of great infrastructural challenges for Nigeria, the resolution passed by the house following a motion of urgent public importance raised by MP Austin Achado (APC-Benue) raises crucial questions about the transparency of the procurement process awarded to Hitech Road Construction Company for the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
According to the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, this project aims to strengthen connectivity across the country. However, the MP questioned the procurement strategy which may be in breach of the Public Procurement Act 2007, section 40(2).
According to him, the said legislation requires that when a contracting authority adopts the restricted tendering approach, this must be justified by the availability of goods and services in the market from a limited number of suppliers and suppliers. qualified contractors. This means that tenders must be open to all contractors capable of providing these goods and services.
The MP pointed out that the procurement strategy adopted by the Federal Ministry of Works for awarding the contract contravenes the infrastructure concession. Furthermore, the federal government’s contingent responsibilities under this project contravene the Debt Management Office Act, 2023.
Following this motion, the Assembly called on the Minister of Works, the Minister of Finance, the Attorney General of the Federation and the Minister of Justice to inform the National Assembly of the ongoing developments. Furthermore, she demanded that all guarantees and credit instruments for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project be subject to the approval of the National Assembly.
An ad hoc committee has been set up to investigate the procurement process of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway contract, with the mandate to report its findings to the Assembly within four weeks.
As the Federal Government has commenced construction of the 700km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as well as maintenance of critical bridges in Lagos, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, assured while handing over the first phase of the project that any cost overruns due to delays or slowdown in work will not be tolerated after payment of advances.
This situation raises legitimate concerns about the management of infrastructure projects and highlights the crucial importance of full transparency in public procurement processes to ensure sustainable benefits for the country and its people. Integrity in the management of public resources is not only a legal requirement but also a moral imperative to ensure equitable and prosperous development for all.. Nigeria must remain vigilant and demand high standards of responsibility and accountability in the implementation of its vital infrastructure projects.