Umahi Clarifies Lagos-Calabar Highway Cost: N4bn per Kilometre, Not N8bn as Claimed by Atiku

It was clarified that the construction of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway will cost N4 billion per kilometre and not N8 billion per kilometre as claimed by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

Umahi shared this information during an appearance on the Television Continental News Hour program.

Umahi also addressed the claims that the project did not follow the due procurement process, stating that the contract was awarded on a counter-funding basis and not on a Public-Private Partnership as widely claimed.

He further explained that despite the appropriation of N1.06 trillion, the full amount has not yet been disbursed.

The Minister elaborated on the project specifics, stating that the highway will feature a total of 10 lanes, including shoulders, with a concrete pavement of 59 meters.

He contrasted this with the 23-meter flexible pavement mentioned by Atiku, highlighting the cost difference and asserting that the government’s approach is more cost-effective.

Furthermore, Umahi emphasized that the federal government never envisaged the project under a Private Public Partnership arrangement but under an Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Finance programme, similar to the Abuja-Makurdi road project.

This approach involves the government paying a certain percentage for counterpart funding.

The clarification comes in response to concerns raised by Atiku Abubakar about the project’s cost and procurement process.

Umahi’s remarks shed light on the actual cost and methodology of the Lagos-Calabar highway construction, aiming to clear up any confusion or misinformation surrounding the project.

With a total cost of N2.8 trillion upon completion, the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway is a significant infrastructure project that aims to improve transportation and economic development in the region.