The Minister of Works, Mr David Umahi, has again inspected the ongoing Lagos – Calabar Coastal Highway project, accompanied by stakeholders from opposition political parties and Civil Society Organisations, with the aim of assessing the project’s progress, clarify speculations, misleading claims and verify additional challenges encountered during construction.
Mr Umahi stated that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project is a significant infrastructure development initiative, aimed at improving connectivity and facilitating economic growth in the region, as the new highway will link Lagos to Calabar, passing through several communities.
The Minister at Chanage 18, said so far twenty-five kilometres had been completed on Section One, highlighting several challenges encountered during the project’s execution, including the presence of large quantities of waste material and the need to deviate from the original design which cost the government additional fifteen billion naira to avoid demolishing landmark infrastructure.
He directed that all videos and drawings related to the project’s construction be made available for verification, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability.
A Stalwart of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Segun Showunmi and some leaders of Civil Society Organisations, lauded the Federal Government for embarking on the four legacy projects, especially the Lagos Calabar Coastal Highway, noting that it will bring return on investments, promote economic growth and development, as well as improve the quality of lives of the people.
They urged people not to to play politics with the well being of Nigerians by down playing the quality of work on the project.
Meanwhile, the last has not been heard about an alleged two hundred and fifty million dollars fraud in the Win Homes Project tied to the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
Minister of Works, Mr David Umahi, who vowed to expose the alleged fraud, issued a seven-day ultimatum to WinHomes Global Services Limited to tender a public apology or face a petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
This follows claims by the company that Nigerians in the Diaspora invested two hundred and fifty million dollars in the estate allegedly affected by the ongoing construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.Speaking during an inspection of the project, Mr.
Umahi also dismissed WinHomes’ assertion that it acquired twelve hectares of land in year 2020 for fifty million naira, calling it unrealistic given the area’s level of development at the time.
The Minister challenged WinHomes to publicly present the approved land documents on social media, as proof of legitimate ownership.
To the purported foreign investors, Mr. Umahi advised they repatriate their funds and invest properly through Public-Private Partnerships to ensure protection and return on investment.
Reacting, Rights Activist, Comrade Declan Ihekaire expressed disappointment after inspecting the site, vowing to address a press conference in two weeks if WinHomes fails to provide concrete evidence of any demolished structures.
Other speakers urged Nigerians to support infrastructure projects that promote national progress, regardless of political affiliations, noting that governance is a continuous process.
Reporting by Abiola PETERS