The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) Presidential Campaign Council has demanded full disclosure of the procurement process, contract details and payment records for the N15tn Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project.
The Director-General of the council, Felix Hyat, made the demand at a press conference in Abuja following the Federal Government’s decision to realign part of the highway route in Ondo State.
Hyat called for the publication of relevant engineering assessments, alternative-route analyses, cost implications and a comprehensive audit of the work carried out and funds spent on the project so far.
He questioned the circumstances surrounding the route adjustment announced by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, arguing that the development raised concerns about the project’s initial planning and engineering assessments.
The APM campaign council alleged that the realignment exposed shortcomings in the planning of the multi-trillion-naira project and demanded an explanation of whether the change would reduce the overall cost of the highway.
Hyat also called for the government to disclose the procurement process, contractor selection, contract cost and payment records associated with the project.
The council further raised concerns over alleged links between the contractor’s corporate group and individuals connected to the Presidency, calling for greater transparency in the award and execution of the contract.
The Federal Government had explained that the Ondo route was being changed because the original alignment passed through terrain with pits exceeding 100 metres in depth, which would have significantly increased construction costs. Umahi said the decision was based on engineering considerations and the need to ensure value for public funds.
However, Hyat faulted the explanation and argued that the government should make the relevant technical and financial documents available to Nigerians.
He also questioned whether the required environmental assessment had been conducted before the project commenced, while alleging irregularities in the procurement process. These allegations were made by the campaign council and have not been independently established.
