- Makinde misunderstood the technical and financial details behind road construction
- Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway should not be reduced to political discussions
- He reaffirmed his commitment to transparency in the highway’s construction
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has responded to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s comments questioning the cost per kilometre of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that he said Makinde misunderstood the technical and financial details behind road construction and cost assessment.
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Speaking during an inspection of the Keffi Bridge and the Nasarawa–Toto Road projects on Saturday, Umahi explained that the project’s cost was determined in accordance with global engineering standards.
He said the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway should not be reduced to political discussions or soundbites.
Governor Makinde had earlier criticised the minister’s explanation of the project’s cost, saying there was no reason for him to “dance around figures.”
Umahi, however, described Makinde as a friend and brother but maintained that his remarks were misplaced.
“I have great respect for Governor Makinde,” Umahi said. “But he should withdraw the statement that I am dancing around. If he insists, he should come for a public debate. There is no ambiguity in cost per kilometre.”
Umahi clarified that project costs can be divided into estimated and average costs, both of which serve different purposes in financial planning. He said the estimated cost includes allowances for contingencies and variations, which may not all be utilised.
He expressed amusement that critics had asked Artificial Intelligence to explain cost variations, saying the AI’s response supported his position.
Umahi also noted that his professional experience qualifies him as a professor of practice, in line with National Universities Commission standards.
He reaffirmed his commitment to transparency and accountability in the highway’s construction, stressing that every kobo spent would be backed by evidence of work done.
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