Project Overview

For years, thousands of coastal communities in Southern Nigeria have agitated for improved road infrastructure to break their isolation. Past efforts often met obstacles. Following the insurgency by militant Niger Delta groups, President Obasanjo awarded a contract to Julius Berger in 2005 for the East-West Road. However, due to incomplete designs, the road remains unfinished nearly two decades later.

Recognizing these challenges, infrastructure experts in the region advocated for a road more suited to 21st-century standards. This led to the proposal of a coastal road by the NDDC and the Ministry of Niger Delta.

Last year, the Tinubu administration demonstrated political will by awarding an Engineering Procurement Construction and Finance (EPC+F) contract to Hitech Construction Company Nigeria Limited for the 700km Lagos to Calabar Coastal Project. Estimated at N4.329 billion per kilometer, this project will use reinforced concrete technology for a 59.7-meter-wide carriageway, including 10 lanes, shoulders, and rail, with additional designs for service ducts, street lights, drainage, and shore protection.

We commend President Tinubu for his confidence and resolve. This project promises significant value to Nigeria’s coastal communities, improving quality of life, transportation, and economic transformation.

Addressing Misconceptions

Critics, including politicians like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, have raised concerns about the project. Initially, Atiku confused it with the Lagos to Calabar Coastal Railway and misrepresented the figures. When corrected, he questioned potential conflicts of interest and the choice of Hitech Construction Limited. These criticisms often overlook Hitech's extensive experience and proven track record in delivering successful infrastructure projects.

National Concerns

It's normal for national projects of this scale to raise concerns, especially in a diverse nation like Nigeria. Historically, many projects have become white elephants, such as the Ajaokuta Steel Complex and the Kaduna Refinery, resulting in wasted resources.

Given Nigeria's history of poorly planned and underfunded projects, it's understandable that citizens would be skeptical. However, these concerns must be addressed legitimately, and the Federal Government needs to do its best to assuage the fears of those seeking clarity.

Funding and Costing

The EPC+F model means that Hitech Construction Company is providing a considerable portion of the funding. This reduces the immediate strain on the federal budget and demonstrates a shared commitment to the project's success.

The Federal Government is also seeking support from the African Development Bank (AfDB). The AfDB's 2010–2020 Infrastructure Action Plan for Nigeria identified the Lagos to Calabar Coastal Highway Project as an urgent priority. The AfDB has noted that relying solely on federal budget allocations for infrastructure projects has proven unsustainable. They suggest exploring public and private financing methods to meet the $350 billion needed to close Nigeria's infrastructure gap and accelerate economic transformation.

Environmental Impact

Every project of this scale must prioritize environmental protection. The Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) process is ongoing, with preliminary approvals already granted. The Federal Ministry of Works is actively engaging with stakeholders along the route to minimize negative impacts and has redesigned portions of the route to protect communities.

Economic Impact

The Lagos to Calabar Coastal Superhighway is a generational legacy project with immense potential for job creation, economic growth, and regional development. The ₦15 trillion project is expected to significantly increase Nigeria's GDP by facilitating commerce and social activities along the coastal region.

The project will create numerous job opportunities during the construction phase and contribute to the overall economic growth and development of the country. It will improve transportation infrastructure, reduce travel time, and boost trade, commerce, and tourism along the coastal region.

Transparency and Accountability

The project has followed due process from its early days at the NDDC to its current stage under the Tinubu administration. Each step, from the initial proposal to the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) scrutiny and Federal Executive Council (FEC) approval, was conducted according to regulations. The BPP's certificate of no objection underscores the rigorous and transparent process.

The project is an unsolicited bid on the EPC+F model, with the investor providing designs, part of the financing, and construction, while the Federal Government provides counterpart funding. The BPP issued a Certificate of No Objection, and the FEC debated and approved the project, ensuring it followed due process.

Community Engagement

More than 1,000 coastal communities will be impacted by the construction of the road. The Federal Ministry of Works and other agencies have begun engaging with these communities. The NDDC, as the initial project owner, is uniquely positioned to deliver on community engagement programs.

Community participation and ownership are crucial. The NDDC should proactively engage with impacted communities, providing them with the tools, skills, and knowledge needed for participation. Our group is also working to enlighten people and raise awareness about the project by addressing specific concerns.