During a recent appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Osita Chidoka, a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party, suggested that President Bola Tinubu pause the controversial Lagos-Calabar coastal road initiative for further public discussions. Chidoka, a former Aviation minister, proposed that the government enhance Nigeria’s inland waterways and establish small seaports along coastal areas to facilitate the transportation of goods between coastal cities via ships.
On the topic of the project’s controversy, Chidoka recommended suspending it to allow for public discourse. He highlighted concerns about the lack of competitive bidding in the contract award process, emphasizing the need for transparency and adherence to due process.
Chidoka emphasized that reputable financial institutions would be hesitant to fund a project that bypasses competitive bidding procedures. He stressed the importance of following proper protocols to secure financing from institutions like the IFC, World Bank, and African Development Bank.
Suggesting alternative legacy projects for the President, Chidoka proposed redesigning the national highway system, enacting a new National Highway Act to dualize existing highways, and integrating them with airports and seaports.
The ongoing construction of the 700km Lagos-Calabar coastal road by Hitech Construction Company Ltd has sparked widespread criticism, particularly regarding the project’s necessity amidst existing financial constraints in the nation. Opposition figures such as Peter Obi of the Labour Party and Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party have been among the project’s vocal critics.
The House of Representatives recently passed a resolution to investigate the procurement process for the ₦15 trillion coastal road project. It was alleged that the 2007 Procurement Act was violated, and the requisite approvals from the National Assembly were not obtained.