The Federal Government has declared plans to establish Africa’s pioneering underwater tunnel, connecting the ongoing Lagos-Calabar and Sokoto-Badagry highways.
On Wednesday, David Umahi, the minister of works, announced during an inspection tour in Lagos that the tunnel will stretch 2.9 kilometres, linking Ahmadu Bello Way to Snake Island and Badagry.
Our tunnel is located beneath the ground. It’s going to be 2.9 kilometres. When finished, it’s going to be the first tunnel in Africa inside water,” Umahi said.
The minister explained that the project would be implemented under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement, utilizing land resources around Snake Island and Badagry to fund the initiative.
To address potential concerns upfront, we have land reserves at Snake Island and in Badagry, which we plan to utilize through a Public-Private Partnership, enabling us to finance the project via a Build, Operate, and Transfer mechanism,” he stated.
As stated by Umahi, the tunnel plan is integral to a far-reaching vision that seeks to establish a connection between the coastal route and the Sokoto–Badagry corridor, ultimately enhancing connectivity and easing pressure on existing Lagos bridges.
The minister also utilized the occasion to provide clarification on the Federal Government’s new procurement policy, which restricts expatriate firms from bidding on contracts valued below N20 billion, thereby affording indigenous contractors greater opportunities.
Umahi pointed out that indigenous contractors are not precluded from undertaking projects exceeding N20 billion. “We are stipulating that expatriate firms will no longer handle projects below N20 billion. Conversely, indigenous contractors have proven their capacity to execute projects worth billions and trillions,” he observed.
He further cautioned contractors against leaving binder courses on roads uncovered for extended periods, stating that it results in premature road failures. “Contractors that fail to comply risk receiving negative certificates, and we will recover monies from their jobs,” Umahi said.
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