Tinubu didn’t influence coastal highway contract — Umahi

Minister of Works, David Umahi, on Sunday, clarified that President Bola Tinubu did not instruct him to award the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project to Hitech Construction Company. Umahi took full responsibility for the procurement, dismissing suggestions that it was a means for money laundering. The minister believed Hitech was chosen due to its experience in addressing coastal erosion and restoring Victoria Island.

Tinubu did not request the award of the project to Hitech, and the minister emphasized his integrity and accountability for decisions made. Umahi defended the procurement process, stating that different forms, including restrictive selective tendering, were permitted under law. He explained that Hitech had extensive experience in Lagos, which made it suitable for the urgent coastal erosion issue.

The minister refuted claims that Tinubu's friendship with Hitech's owner, Gilbert Chagoury, influenced the decision, and clarified that only the borrowing plan, not the procurement, needed approval from the National Assembly.