UMAHI SAYS TINUBU DID NOT INFLUENCE COASTAL HIGHWAY CONTRACT

Minister of Works David Umahi has said President Bola Tinubu did not direct him to award the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project to Hitech Construction Company.

Umahi said he took responsibility for the procurement decision and rejected suggestions that the President influenced the choice of contractor.

The minister made the clarification during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, amid continuing controversy over the procurement and funding of the coastal highway.

Umahi said Hitech was selected because of its previous experience with coastal erosion and infrastructure work in Lagos.

He explained that the procurement process used was permitted under Nigerian law and involved a restrictive selective tendering procedure for projects considered urgent.

The minister also rejected suggestions that Tinubu’s relationship with Hitech owner Gilbert Chagoury influenced the contract.

Umahi said the project had gone through the required government processes, including review by the Bureau of Public Procurement.

He also defended the construction work along the coastal corridor, saying the project included drainage channels and service lanes intended to improve floodwater evacuation and movement for residents.

The minister maintained that he was accountable for the decisions taken under his ministry and said the President had not instructed him to select Hitech for the project.