Minister Announces Lagos–Calabar Highway Contract Award, but Transparency Concerns Loom

Calls for Clarity and Transparency Surround Major Infrastructure Project

In a recent announcement, Minister of Works David Umahi revealed the award of a contract for the construction of the Lagos–Calabar Highway to a local firm. This ambitious project aims to connect the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, the Fourth Mainland Bridge, Lekki Deep Sea Port Road, and various points in the North via Ogoja-Ikom. While this endeavor holds the promise of boosting business and travel, critics have raised concerns regarding transparency, due process, and stakeholder involvement.

The project, spanning approximately 650 to 700 kilometers, includes plans for rail lines running through the main carriageways. Nigeria's infrastructure, currently at 30 percent of GDP, falls significantly short of the World Bank's recommended benchmark of 70 percent. Therefore, large-scale infrastructure initiatives are essential.

However, transparency in the execution of such projects is equally critical. Past instances of opacity, cronyism, and corruption in Contract Awards have led to the collapse of vital national infrastructure projects. To ensure accountability, fair competition, efficiency, and public trust, contracts must undergo the established processes. Minister Umahi and President Bola Tinubu must assure Nigerians that these processes were diligently followed.

While the project has been revealed as a Public-Private-Partnership deal, important details such as the date of contract award, the number of bidders, and other relevant specifics remain undisclosed.

The Public Procurement Act 2007 and the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission Act advocate competitive public bidding as the preferred procurement procedure. The ICRCA stipulates that the concession contract should be granted to the bidder meeting pre-qualification criteria and submitting the most comprehensive technical and economic bid. Competitive bidding is waived only when a single contractor submits a bid or meets the pre-qualification requirements after advertisement.

Minister Umahi should clarify the processes leading to the award of the Lagos-Calabar Highway contract.

Transparency is a cornerstone of good governance, enabling oversight, accountability, and fair competition. Pervasive corruption hinders Nigeria's development, and opacity in contract awards exacerbates graft while undermining merit.

The Tinubu administration must adhere to established procedures in contract awards and ensure a level playing field for all interested contractors. Transparency in contract awards is the norm in established democracies, where procurement processes are open to public and parliamentary scrutiny.

Moreover, the input and concerns of local communities affected by these projects are considered, and protests and court cases have, in some cases, altered or stalled projects in established democracies.

Addressing Nigeria's infrastructure deficit is essential, but projects and contract awards must adhere to global best practices, engage all stakeholders, and be conducted transparently. The Tinubu administration should begin by providing comprehensive details of the Lagos–Calabar Highway contract.