Reps Launch Inquiry into Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Procurement

The House of Representatives has decided to investigate the procurement process of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway.

The decision was made during a session on Thursday after a proposal put forward by Austin Achado.

The controversial 700 km road has sparked debates, especially regarding the removal of structures along the project’s path.

Achado argued that the agreement between the federal government and Hitech Construction Company Nigeria Limited for project funding goes against the Procurement Act of 2007.

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He pointed out that Section 40(2) mandates that if a procuring authority opts for a Restrictive Tendering Approach, it should be because the goods and services are only available from a limited number of suppliers and contractors.

Consequently, tenders should be requested from all eligible contractors.

In response to the motion, the House decided that the Committees on Procurement and Works should call upon the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, and the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, to clarify the procurement process to the House.