Lagos-Calabar Coastal road: Outrage as FG proposes N3,000 per toll gateBy Emma Amaize, Regional Editor, South-South, Theodore Opara, Clifford Ndujihe, Dayo Johnson, Victor AhiumaYoung, John Alechenu, Kingsley Adeboye, Shina Abubakar, Rotimi Ojomoyela, James Ogunnaike & Laolu Elijah
“I put N3,000 as an average cost. N3,000 because the cars could be like N1,500, and the big trucks could be like N5,000. “So, we put an average. In 15 years, you make back the money,” he said, dismissing calls that the cost budgeted for the road was high. “However, we’re interested here because it’s an investment, and we’re happy with it. We are taking 50 metres of that shoreline, and it’s irrevocable. I also told him if he’s interested in the waterways, he should create one on top.”
Onwuanibe explained he purchased the land in 2007, well before the coastal highway plans were formulated, and was left with mixed feelings after the demolition notice arrived, also prompting him to claim compensation.However, the Works Minister said his ministry will pay compensation to owners whose property fall within the Right of Way of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway.
CUPP General Secretary, Chief Peter Ameh, in a chat with Vanguard, lamented that “a dark cloud is hovering over the road project because it lacks transparency and due process, contract awarded without proper oversight and competitive bidding process; and cost of building the road per kilometre is outrageous and unacceptable.”
“But in the event that the coastal highway is a build, operate, and transfer project, due process must also be followed with the aforementioned institutions and agencies put in the know with their input taken into consideration.”It’s a highway to fraud, waste – Atiku According to the statement, Umahi had during his media rounds at select TV stations on Thursday said the road project will cost N15.6 trillion while the rail which will pass through the road will be costed separately. The minister had also said the project would not be PPP, but the government would be providing 15%-30% counterpart financing.
“It was reported by every media organization, including those owned by Tinubu. It was based on this proposal that Hitech was picked. Why did Umahi then turn around to claim that it was not to be a PPP but that the government would pay 15%-30%?”