The Independent Media and Policy Initiative (IMPI) has provided compelling evidence supporting the Federal government’s decision to award the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway construction contract to HiTECH. In a statement signed by Chairman Niyi Akinsiju, the think tank group debunked claims made by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, asserting that they were aimed at discrediting the project.
IMPI highlighted HiTECH’s successful track record in constructing coastal highways with reinforced concrete, citing their exemplary work on the Bar Beach Shoreline protection project. The group conducted thorough research on HiTECH’s credentials and contract portfolio, concluding that the company is well-equipped to undertake the coastal road project.
Furthermore, IMPI compared HiTECH’s capabilities to other construction companies, noting that the company’s specialization in shoreline and coastal roads sets them apart. They referenced the Bar Beach shoreline project, where HiTECH’s intervention not only prevented flooding but also transformed the area into a thriving hub known as Atlantic City.
Additionally, IMPI commended the Federal government for reducing the project cost to N4.329 billion per kilometer from the initial N8.52 billion per kilometer proposed by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for a four-lane Lagos-Calabar highway.
In a surprising twist, IMPI revealed that while the controversy over the Lagos-Calabar highway was unfolding, a criminal court in Panama was conducting trials related to money laundering exposed in the global “Panama Papers” scandal. International media reports suggested that further investigations could implicate prominent figures, including a former presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Overall, IMPI’s thorough analysis and endorsement of HiTECH’s capabilities underscore the importance of transparency and accountability in major infrastructure projects. The Federal government’s decision to award the coastal road contract to HiTECH appears to be well-founded, with the potential to deliver significant benefits to the region.
