Budget Secrecy: Rights Lawyer Sues FG, Minister Umahi Over Lagos-Calabar Highway

Transparency Suits Filed

One of the key lawsuits challenges the ministry's failure to provide information on the N15 trillion...

Minister David Umahi, FG sued over refusal to disclose N15 trillion budget details for Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, hearing set for January 27, 2025.

The Nigerian government has taken a significant step to address the legal challenges facing the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project by hiring six Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) [no source available]. This move is aimed at tackling the suits opposing the construction of the $2 billion project, which is expected to revolutionize transportation and boost tourism in Nigeria.

Project Overview

The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is a 700-kilometer project that will connect the western and south-eastern regions of Nigeria, passing through several states, including Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River. The project is estimated to cost N4 billion per kilometer and is expected to be completed in eight years.

Controversies and Challenges

Despite its potential benefits, the project has faced opposition from various groups, citing concerns over land reclamation, demolition of properties, and environmental impact. Some have also raised questions about the awarding of the contract to Hitech Construction Company Ltd, allegedly linked to President Bola Tinubu's son, Seyi Tinubu.

The hiring of six SANs demonstrates the government's commitment to pushing through with the project. However, it remains to be seen how the legal battles will unfold and what implications they will have on the project's timeline and overall success.

The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project is facing significant opposition, with multiple lawsuits filed against it. To defend these lawsuits, the Ministry of Works has enlisted the expertise of six Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs). These seasoned lawyers will represent the Minister of Works, David Umahi, in court.

The Legal Team:

• Abiodun Owonikoko
• Mahmud Mogaji
• Prof. J. Olatoke
• Yakubu Ruba
• Roy Nweze
• Emmanuel Esene

One of the key lawsuits challenges the ministry's failure to provide information on the N15 trillion budget allocated for the project. The involvement of the SANs was confirmed through a Memorandum of Conditional Appearance submitted to the Federal High Court in Lagos.

Interestingly, despite the ongoing lawsuits, Minister David Umahi has expressed determination to continue construction work on the 700-kilometer coastal highway, which spans nine coastal states. The project's progress will likely be closely watched, given its massive budget and potential impact on the region.

Nigeria's Minister of Works, David Umahi, is pushing forward with the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project despite facing over six legal challenges. In August 2024, Umahi assured that the Federal Government remains committed to the project, citing its rigorous procurement process and necessary compensations paid.

One of the notable lawsuits is from rights lawyer Olukoya Ogungbeje, who is seeking full disclosure of the N15 trillion budget for the 700-kilometer highway. Ogungbeje filed the suit under the Freedom of Information Act after the Ministry of Works failed to respond to his request submitted on April 7, 2024. This lawsuit highlights the concerns surrounding transparency and accountability in the project's funding.

Facts:

Project Overview: The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway spans 700 kilometers, traversing nine coastal states, including Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River.

Legal Challenges: Over six lawsuits have been filed against the project, with one seeking transparency in the N15 trillion budget.

Government's Stance: Minister Umahi assures continued commitment to the project, citing its rigorous procurement process and necessary compensations paid.

The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project's progress will be closely watched, given its massive budget and potential impact on the region.

Rights lawyer Olukoya Ogungbeje is taking the Ministry of Works and Minister David Umahi to court over the lack of transparency regarding the N15 trillion budget for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project. He's asking the court to declare that the ministry's refusal to release the requested details is a clear violation of the Freedom of Information Act.

Ogungbeje filed for an Order of Mandamus on April 12, 2024, demanding that the court compel the ministry and Umahi to provide the budget details through his legal representatives immediately. Additionally, he's seeking a N20 million fine against Umahi for allegedly withholding the information.

Justice Akintayo Aluko granted Ogungbeje permission to pursue a judicial review on June 7, 2024, in response to his ex-parte motion. The court also granted leave to Ogungbeje to apply for an Order of Mandamus, compelling the release of the budget details. A hearing on the motion is scheduled for January 27, 2025.

Despite the ongoing lawsuit, Umahi and the other respondents have yet to officially respond beyond submitting a Memorandum of Conditional Appearance through their legal team. The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project has been marred by controversy, including concerns over land reclamation and demolition of properties. The project aims to connect the western and southeastern regions of Nigeria, improving cross-country connectivity and trade relations.