In a recent development concerning the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project, the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has vehemently refuted claims made by former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar regarding the project’s scope and economic significance. Dave Umahi, while visiting the ongoing rehabilitation of the Enugu-Port Harcourt dual carriageway, criticized Atiku’s analysis as a distortion of facts aimed at misleading the public.
Dave Umahi accused Atiku of lacking a comprehensive understanding of the project’s intricacies, particularly its financial aspects. He emphasized the administration’s commitment to financial prudence, citing President Tinubu’s scrutiny of project costs and his insistence on cost reduction. Despite contractors’ complaints about reduced payments, Dave Umahi affirmed the government’s determination to ensure transparency and efficiency in project execution. He pledged to provide detailed figures during an upcoming press conference scheduled for April 10th to 12th in Lagos, aimed at debunking Atiku’s assertions and showcasing the administration’s fiscal responsibility.
Moreover, Dave Umahi highlighted the coastal road’s economic significance, underscoring its role in enhancing national connectivity. He outlined plans to extend the project’s reach from Badagry to Sokoto, emphasizing its potential to facilitate trade and transportation across the country. Additionally, he revealed that the third section of the project would commence in Calabar by July 2024, further underscoring the government’s commitment to infrastructure development.
Call for Accelerated Project Execution
During his inspection of various infrastructure projects, including flyover bridges and road rehabilitations, Minister Dave Umahi stressed the importance of adhering to project timelines. While commending the quality of work observed, he expressed concern over the pace of construction, urging contractors to expedite their efforts to meet delivery deadlines. Notably, Umahi warned that contractors failing to meet project timelines risked losing portions of their contracts to more efficient firms. He emphasized the government’s resolve to ensure timely completion of projects to minimize disruptions and maximize public benefits.
Despite challenges posed by inflation and supply chain disruptions, Dave Umahi lauded President Tinubu’s administration for its unwavering commitment to cost-effective and quality-driven infrastructure development. He reaffirmed the government’s dedication to fostering a diversified and sustainable economic future through robust infrastructure investments. By prioritizing projects that enhance trade, tourism, and industrialization along key economic corridors, Umahi underscored the administration’s vision for driving national development and prosperity.
Dave Umahi Commitment to National Development
In concluding his visit, Minister Umahi reiterated President Tinubu’s commitment to advancing Nigeria’s economic interests through strategic infrastructure initiatives. He emphasized the pivotal role of infrastructure in unlocking the nation’s economic potential and fostering inclusive growth. Through ongoing projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road and various road rehabilitations and bridge constructions, Dave Umahi underscored the government’s resolve to create conducive environments for trade, tourism, and industrial development. As the administration continues to prioritize infrastructure development as a catalyst for national progress, Umahi’s remarks underscored a steadfast commitment to realizing Nigeria’s socio-economic aspirations. :: Atiku’s Challenge and Call for Transparency:
In response to Dave Umahi’s remarks, Atiku’s Special Assistant, Paul Ibe, issued a statement challenging the Tinubu administration to provide clarity on the project’s cost and procurement process. Atiku reiterated his concerns about transparency and urged the government to respond to public inquiries with honesty and accountability. He demanded concrete answers to six specific questions regarding the project, signaling his intent to hold the administration accountable for its handling of public infrastructure initiatives.
Atiku’s continued scrutiny of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project reflects broader concerns within the political landscape about transparency, accountability, and good governance. As the 2023 general elections approach, issues surrounding infrastructure development and public expenditure are likely to remain at the forefront of public discourse, shaping political narratives and voter perceptions. Amidst these dynamics, Dave Umahi’s response to Atiku’s criticisms underscores the government’s efforts to defend its record and maintain public trust in its infrastructure
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