Ondo Coastal Highway: ADC candidate challenges Umahi

…Akingunola alleges route change breaches procurement rules

By Dayo Johnson

AKURE: The African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for Ondo East/West Federal Constituency, Hon. Niyi Akingunola, has questioned the alleged rerouting of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway away from Ondo State, calling on the Minister of Works, David Umahi, to clarify the decision.

Akingunola, in a statement, argued that any alteration to the highway’s approved alignment during implementation should comply with applicable procurement and budgetary requirements, including obtaining fresh approvals where necessary.

He maintained that diverting the road away from Ondo’s coastline could affect the state’s expected benefits from the project.

According to him, the highway was approved following procurement procedures, including the issuance of a Certificate of No Objection by the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and budgetary approval by the National Assembly.

“The basis for the BPP’s no-objection certificate were the valid Bill of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation (BEME), Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Cost Estimate (CE),” he said.

Akingunola questioned the basis for any proposed change to the original route, arguing that relevant technical and environmental considerations should be reviewed before modifications are made.

He said any substantial alteration to the project should be supported by updated engineering measurements, environmental assessments and cost estimates, with the necessary procurement and legislative approvals obtained in line with applicable regulations.

The ADC candidate urged residents of Ondo State and federal lawmakers representing the state to seek clarification on the project’s alignment and ensure that the state’s interests were considered in its implementation.

He identified potential benefits of the highway to Ondo State as reduced travel time, improved agricultural activities and food security, tourism development, expansion of the blue economy, increased trade and industrial activity, and better access to ports and wider markets.

Akingunola also questioned Umahi’s reported explanation that the original route crossed terrain with pits more than 100 metres deep, which could significantly increase construction costs.

He argued that such challenges should have been considered during feasibility studies and reflected in the project’s engineering measurements and Bill of Quantities (BoQ).

The ADC candidate further maintained that environmental and social impact assessments should inform decisions on infrastructure projects, arguing that cost considerations should be weighed against their potential benefits to affected communities.

“The people own the resources that the Minister is complaining is too much to be spent on them,” he said.

The dispute centres on the proposed alignment of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the implications of any changes for Ondo State.

Umahi’s response to Akingunola’s latest allegations was not included in the statement provided.

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