Abuja, Nigeria – May 2024 – The Public and Private Development Center (PPDC) expresses concern over the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project. Following the third stakeholder meeting on May 23, 2024, the PPDC is highlighting significant issues related to the bidding and procurement process, the provision of an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), and the adherence to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
The project’s procurement process has come under scrutiny, particularly regarding compliance with the Procurement Act. According to the Honourable Minister of Works, Sen. Engr. Dr. Nweze David Umahi CON, the project was done under Restrictive bidding which is provided for under section 40 of the Public Procurement Act 2007. We would like to know why it was determined that this required a restrictive bidding process in the first instance, especially given the history and capacity of other reputable construction companies.
Stakeholders were initially reassured by the Minister’s commitment to releasing the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) report during the second stakeholder meeting. However, this promise was retracted at the third meeting, with the new timeline pushing back disclosure by 2-3 months. This justification, citing Section 15b of the Freedom of Information Act, raises concerns.
This delay is particularly troubling because a thorough ESIA process would have identified critical concerns like the presence of submarine cables beforehand. Withholding the ESIA report hinders transparency and public participation in decision-making.
In light of these concerns, the Public and Private Development Centre calls on the government to:
- Immediately release the full details of the procurement process for the Coastal Highway Project. Full disclosure will ensure accountability and public trust.
- Provide an immediate disclosure of the available ESIA report and engage stakeholders in meaningful consultations.
- Continue to uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, and public participation in all government projects and decision-making processes.
About PPDC
The Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) is a non-governmental organization and social enterprise dedicated to fostering transparent and accountable governance while increasing citizens’ participation in governance processes. For more information, visit www.ppdc.org.
Signed
Jubril Shittu
Chief Executive Officer,
Public and Private Development Centre.