The Federal Government has justified its decision to award the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project to Hitech Construction Company Limited, assuring that due process was followed.
During an inspection of the project in Lagos on Saturday, the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, addressed concerns about the procurement process.
He explained that the law allows for three types of procurement: restrictive procurement, selective or competitive bidding, and open bidding.
Umahi stated that the government specifically sought companies with at least five concrete pavers, a requirement that was not common in Nigeria at the time.
He pointed to Hitech’s successful reconstruction of the Oworonshoki-Apapa Road as evidence of its capability, which influenced its selection.
He noted that the first phase of the project was awarded through restrictive bidding, which received approval from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and the Federal Executive Council.
As more companies began acquiring concrete equipment in response to the ministry’s requirements, Section 2 was subjected to selective bidding, where Hitech emerged as the successful bidder. The same process was followed for Sections 3A and 3B.
The minister stressed that the selection process complied fully with legal provisions and the Procurement Act.
He dismissed allegations of favoritism, adding that President Bola Tinubu did not play a role in selecting the contractor.
“This process has been completely transparent, and there is no corruption involved,” Umahi assured.
