Federal Government is plunging into an ambitious endeavor: a 25-kilometer access road connecting the Lekki Deep Seaport to Epe and Ijebu-Ode. The project is being touted as a crucial part of the region’s economic revival and is reportedly progressing well. But is it all as rosy as it sounds?
Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, recently conducted an inspection of this high-profile project in Lagos and shared his unwavering optimism about its completion within a tight 21-month deadline. He assured the public that the contractor, the China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), was selected through a competitive bidding process,always a good sign, right? CHEC has a glittering portfolio, boasting infrastructure feats like the Lekki Deep Seaport and the Keffi–Makurdi Super Highway. But will this be another success story or just a grand design?
“This project is not just about roads; it’s about the future!” Umahi declared, detailing the plan for two carriageways with six lanes and major bridges that stretch over kilometers. “I am confident that China Harbour will meet our ambitious timeline,” he added, as if that were enough to quell any doubts. But confidence can only go so far.
Adding a layer of complexity, the Federal Government has already allocated 30 percent of the budget, while the contractor must source the remaining 70 percent through a supposedly foolproof Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Finance (EPC+F) arrangement. This model is intended to keep the project financially afloat, with hopes of tolls covering loan repayments once the road opens. Feasibility studies,those magical documents that often predict success,claim the project is financially viable. But are we taking a leap of faith here?
Umahi went on to assert that China Harbour will enjoy the right of first refusal when it comes to operation and maintenance. “This road is poised to be self-sustaining, thanks to thorough traffic counts,” he promised. Is it too optimistic to think this will materialize?
Despite assurances of financial safeguards and transparency, skeptics remain. The Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway project attracted significant international attention and oversubscription of $100 million, which Umahi claims signals confidence in the project. But can we trust these international funders, who notoriously scrutinize every penny?
In a move that some may see as proactive, Umahi has hinted at adjustments to the project design, possibly swapping a planned bridge for backfilling over a lagoon,yet another reminder that complexities abound. Even the minister acknowledged delays due to a shrine along the corridor. “I’ve moved shrines before, and I’m prepared to act again,” he stated with a tone that suggests resolve. But can communities really be pushed aside?
Technical experts on the project, like Mr. Oyeneye Damola, confirm that construction is already underway, integrating all identified environmental challenges into the design. But with ongoing discussions about gas pipelines and stakeholder concerns, will these issues be resolved in time?
As if all this weren’t enough, the Lagos State Government has also started rehabilitating the Eti-Osa/Lekki/Epe Expressway, aiming to improve road quality and cut down travel times. Will these interconnected projects create a seamless transport network, or are we setting ourselves up for chaos?
