The Federal Government has defended its decision to award the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project to Hitech Construction Company Limited, stating that due process was followed.
Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, made this clarification on Saturday during an inspection of the project in Lagos.
Addressing concerns over the procurement process, he explained that the law permits three types of procurement: restrictive procurement, selective or competitive bidding, and open bidding.
According to Umahi, the government specifically sought companies with at least five concrete pavers, a requirement that was uncommon in Nigeria before the project commenced. He highlighted Hitech’s successful reconstruction of the Oworonshoki-Apapa Road as a key factor in its selection.
He further noted that the first section of the highway was awarded through restrictive bidding, which received approval from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and the Federal Executive Council.
As other companies began acquiring concrete equipment in response to the ministry’s insistence on using concrete in areas with high water tables, the government opened Section 2 to selective bidding, where Hitech emerged as the winner.
The same process was applied for Sections 3A and 3B.
Umahi emphasized that the selection process adhered strictly to legal provisions and the Procurement Act, dismissing claims of favoritism or corruption.
He also clarified that President Bola Tinubu did not interfere in the selection of contractors.
“There is no corruption in it; it is very transparent,” he assured.
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