Funso Doherty, former Lagos State African Democratic Congress (ADC) gubernatorial candidate, has raised concerns about the award of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway construction contract by the Federal Ministry of Works to Hitech Construction Limited, alleging a violation of the Public Procurement Act (PPA).
In a letter addressed to the Attorney General of the Federation, Mr Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), Doherty highlighted that the contract, confirmed by Minister of Works Dave Umahi, was granted on a single-source basis without competitive tendering, contrary to the provisions of the Public Procurement Act.
Doherty emphasized that single-source procurement is only permissible in emergencies outlined in Sections 42 and 43 of Part VII of the Act, none of which apply to this contract award. He called for compliance with due process and competitive bidding, as mandated by law.
The letter to the AGF also included two recommendations from Doherty.
Firstly, he urged the AGF to advise the Federal Government to halt the project and ensure compliance with due process by enforcing competitive bidding.
Secondly, he recommended prosecution for non-compliance during the contract award process.
He noted that adhering to legal frameworks and due process in government procurement is essential to ensure transparency, accountability, and fairness.
Recall that the minister of works, Engr. David Umahi recently expressed satisfaction with the quality and pace of work on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
Describing the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as one of the most critical projects in the works sector and a vital national economic pillar, Umahi emphasized the importance of providing economically viable towns along the highway.
”The Federal Government is engaging with host states to secure land for these towns, enabling communities near the highway to benefit economically from the project,” he said.
