WorldStage– The Minister of Works, David Nweze Umahi has commended the contractor handling construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Hitech Construction Company Ltd, for what he described as excellent pace and quality of work on the project.
He gave the commendation during an inspection tour of the project by some civil society organizations, media practitioners, leaders of opposition parties/groups, and government functionaries.
The inspection team included Segun Sowunmi, a public affairs analyst and spokesperson to the 2019 Atiku presidential campaign organization; Surveyor-General of the Federation Adeyemi Adebomehin; Director Highway Bridges and Design, Engr. Musa Saidu; and Federal Controller of Works Engr. Kesha.
Speaking during the inspection tour, Umahi said: “Yesterday, I visited sections I & II of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway in Lagos State, South West, to evaluate the quality and progress of work on the project.
“During the inspection, I commended the contractor, Hitech Construction Company Ltd, for the excellent pace and quality of work on the project.
“The contractor’s commitment to national development is evident in the progress made so far, and I attribute the success of the project to their expertise and dedication.
“Notably, Hitech is set to build Nigeria’s biggest flyovers at the connecting point between sections I & II of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway to resolve traffic conflicts along the highway.”
The Minister urged members of the public to disregard false reports and sensational claims about the project, particularly those suggesting that the shoulders of the Coastal Highway project not yet protected amount to construction failure.
He described such claims as mischievous and lacking in knowledge of the project’s scope and timeline.
On a different development, Umahi called upon the leadership of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) to prioritize the nation’s interests and shelve their impending strike action over their disagreement with Dangote Group.
The Minister also urged them to allow wisdom to prevail in resolving the matter, as such action would have a negative impact on the rebounding economy.
He also reacted to what he termed false claims made by Stella Okengwu, purporting to be Winhome CEO, about investing $250m on land along the Coastal Highway.
He challenged her to provide evidence of investment on the land, proof of approval to develop such land, and to disclose where the said money was invested.
The Minister said Civil Societies group that had previously supported her also denounced her claims as unfounded.
“The inspection was a success, and I am pleased with the progress made on the project.
“I urge Nigerians to support government programmes that guarantee the future of the citizenry, and I believe that this project will contribute significantly to the transformation of Nigeria’s economic landscape” Umahi concluded.
