Fresh Crisis Rocks Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway As Reps Launch Probe Into Procurement Process

The last has not been heard about the controversies surrounding the contentious Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project.

In the latest twist to the controversies, the House of Representatives has resolved to probe the procurement process of the project.

This was the resolution that was taken on Thursday following a motion moved by Austin Achado during plenary.

It would be recalled that the controversial 700 km road is generating controversy, particularly the demolition of structures along the right of way of the project.

Moving the motion, Achado said the arrangement between the federal government and Hitech Construction Company Nigeria Limited on the financing of the project violates the Procurement Act of 2007.

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The lawmaker said, “Section 40(2) requires that where a procuring authority adopts to use Restrictive Tendering Approach, it should be on the basis that the said goods and services are available only from a limited number of suppliers and contractors and as such, tenders shall be invited from all such contractors who can provide such goods and services.”

Following the presentation of the motion, the House resolved that the Committees on Procurement and Works should summon the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun and the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi to explain the procurement process to the House.