Much ado about nothing: The Lagos-Calabar Highway project

Many commentators are concerned or confused about the transformational Lagos-Calabar project.

The project in its entirety is approximately 700 kilometres in length and has a central median which can accommodate railway lines and their peculiar infrastructure needs like bridges and railway stations and tracks.

The Lagos-Calabar highway will connect several major cities in Nigeria along its route, including Lagos, Benin City, Port Harcourt, Uyo, and Calabar.

Without the engineering drawings and other highly technical details, calculating the exact length of the Lagos-Calabar highway, including intersections and railroad lines, would require detailed engineering plans and measurements. 

In its entirety it’s a major highway spanning several hundred kilometres, with variations depending on the exact route and construction updates as some geological features and other details may have significant impact on the type of construction used at that point.

The construction of the Lagos-Calabar highway and its connection to major cities and communities is likely to fuel significant population growth and economic development along the route. This growth could lead to increased business opportunities, infrastructure development, job creation, and improved access to markets for businesses. 

However, it may also bring challenges such as increased competition, strain on resources, and the need for sustainable urban planning to manage growth effectively.

There are several other good examples of such mega projects worldwide such as;

1. China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI): This massive infrastructure and economic development project aims to connect China with Europe, Africa, and other parts of Asia through a network of railways, roads, ports, and other infrastructure.

2. The Trans-Siberian Railway: This railway spans over 9,000 kilometres, connecting Moscow with Vladivostok in Russia. It’s one of the longest railway lines in the world and plays a crucial role in transportation and trade.

3. The Pan-American Highway: This network of roads stretches from Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, to Ushuaia, Argentina, covering approximately 30,000 kilometres. It’s one of the longest road systems in the world, connecting various countries in North and South America.

4. The North-South Corridor: This infrastructure project aims to improve transportation and trade links between Southern Africa and Europe by developing road, rail, and port infrastructure spanning several countries.

5. The Dubai Metro: This rapid transit system in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is one of the longest fully automated metro systems in the world. It has played a significant role in improving transportation efficiency and reducing traffic congestion in the city.

These projects demonstrate the importance of large-scale infrastructure initiatives in fostering economic growth, regional integration, and connectivity on a global scale.

Whilst criticism and scrutiny are common aspects of large-scale infrastructure projects like the Lagos-Calabar highway, in a democracy, it’s important for stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue to address concerns and improve the project’s outcomes. 

Also while some criticism may be valid and highlight areas for improvement, excessive or unfounded criticism can hinder progress and deter investment opportunities particularly when parochial considerations come into play.

It’s essential for the government and project stakeholders to be transparent about the project’s planning, implementation, and potential impacts. 

Engaging with local communities, listening to their concerns, and addressing them through appropriate channels can help build trust and ensure that the project benefits all stakeholders.

Ultimately, constructive criticism in a democracy can contribute to better decision-making and project outcomes, but it’s crucial to distinguish between valid concerns and baseless criticism to ensure that the project moves forward effectively for the benefit of Nigeria’s economy and development.

Another significant infrastructure project in Nigeria that is similar in scale and ambition to the Lagos-Calabar highway is the Second Niger Bridge project. The Second Niger Bridge, also known as the “New Gateway to the South,” is being constructed to alleviate congestion on the existing Niger Bridge connecting Onitsha and Asaba.

The Second Niger Bridge project aims to improve transportation links between the eastern and western regions of Nigeria, particularly between the southeastern and southwestern parts of the country. Once completed, the bridge will enhance connectivity, reduce travel time, and stimulate economic development in the surrounding areas.

Similar to the Lagos-Calabar highway, the Second Niger Bridge project is expected to have positive impacts on trade, commerce, regional integration, and socio-economic development in Nigeria. Both projects are critical components of Nigeria’s infrastructure development efforts aimed at fostering economic growth and improving the standard of living for its citizens.

The tendering process for landmark infrastructure projects like the Lagos-Calabar highway or the Second Niger Bridge in Nigeria typically involves open competition through a formal bidding process. This process allows multiple qualified contractors and companies to submit proposals, ensuring transparency, fairness, and the selection of the most qualified bidder based on predetermined criteria.

While open tendering is the standard practice for major infrastructure projects, there are cases where projects may be awarded through a limited tender basis. Limited tendering involves inviting a select group of prequalified contractors or suppliers to submit bids for the project. This approach is usually justified when specific expertise or qualifications are required, or when time constraints necessitate a more expedited procurement process.

However, regardless of the tendering approach, it’s essential for the procurement process to adhere to legal and regulatory requirements, promote fair competition, and ensure accountability and transparency in the awarding of contracts. This helps to mitigate the risk of corruption, promote efficiency, and ensure that public funds are used effectively for the benefit of the project and the broader public interest.

It’s not uncommon for large-scale development projects, including infrastructure projects like road construction, to be executed through methods other than open tendering, especially during the initial stages of development. In the case of Abuja, Nigeria’s new capital city, there may have been instances where certain road projects were not tendered for due to various reasons:

1. Urgency: In some cases, there might have been a sense of urgency to develop critical infrastructure quickly to support the growing needs of the new capital city. This urgency could lead to projects being fast-tracked or awarded through methods like direct negotiation or limited tendering.

2. Strategic planning: During the planning and development of a new capital city, certain projects may be part of a larger master plan aimed at achieving specific development goals. In such cases, decisions about which projects to prioritise and how to execute them may be made through strategic planning processes rather than traditional tendering.

3. Expertise and capacity: There might have been considerations related to the availability of expertise or capacity among contractors or construction firms. If there were limited options for qualified bidders, the government might choose to award contracts directly to ensure that projects proceed smoothly and meet quality standards.

While direct awarding of contracts can expedite project implementation, it’s important for governments to ensure transparency, accountability, and adherence to procurement regulations to prevent corruption and ensure that public funds are used efficiently and effectively. Additionally, transparency in decision-making processes can help build public trust and confidence in the government’s actions.

In other words all governments need to communicate with their citizens.

Examples abound in the USA; and executive orders give authority to governments to ramp up their renewable energy policies or oil prospecting policies and regulations.

The tendering process for projects under China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) varied depending on the specific project, location, and the involvement of Chinese companies or financing. In many cases, Chinese companies played a significant role in implementing BRI projects, either as contractors, investors, or financiers.

While some BRI (Belt Road Initiative) projects may involve open competitive bidding processes, others were awarded through direct negotiations or limited tendering, particularly when Chinese companies are heavily involved or when there are strategic considerations involved.

Additionally, some BRI projects may be financed through bilateral agreements or multilateral initiatives, such as the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) or the Silk Road Fund, which may have their own procurement procedures and criteria.

Overall, the tendering process for BRI projects are varied and are dependent  on factors such as project complexity, funding sources, and the preferences of the parties involved. However, transparency, accountability, and adherence to international standards are important principles that are said to be upheld in the implementation of BRI projects to ensure their success and sustainability.

In conclusion it’s often the strategic importance of a large scale project or its financing terms which determines how it is structured and awarded.

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