Tinubu never asked me to give Lagos-Calabar highway contract to Hitech – Umahi

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, clarified on Sunday that President Bola Tinubu did not instruct him to award the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway contract to Hitech Construction Company. Umahi insisted he took full responsibility for the procurement, dismissing accusations that the project was used for money laundering. He explained that the decision to select Hitech was based on the company's expertise in coastal erosion and the restoration of Victoria Island.

When questioned about the involvement of Tinubu's friend, Lebanese-Nigerian billionaire Gilbert Chagoury, Umahi rejected the suggestion, stating that friendship had no bearing on the procurement process. He also clarified that the project did not require approval from the National Assembly, as it pertained to construction rather than borrowing.

Umahi defended the procurement process, explaining that different forms of procurement are permitted by law, including restrictive selective tendering for urgent projects. He stated that Hitech was chosen due to its previous work in Lagos, which demonstrated its capability to address coastal erosion, and its methodology had successfully restored Victoria Island.

Umahi further elaborated on the project's purpose, which included creating hydraulic channels to mitigate flooding and improve accessibility for Lagos residents. He estimated the highway's lifespan to be between 50 to 100 years with minimal maintenance.