The Network for the Actualization of Social Growth and Viable Development (NEFGAD) says the PH Ring Road contract awarded at the cost of N195.3b standing at approximately N4b per kilometer shows that the Rivers state government is insensitive to the economic plight of Rivers people.
Executive Secretary of NEFGAD, Akingunola Omoniyi in a statement said the road is the most expensive project in the world.
He stated that the state government is engaging in a show of shame, calling the price barbaric and outrageous.
He called on relevant anti-corruption agencies to look into the procurement process and all financial details of the contract for possible remedy.
Part of his statement reads
“The 50.15km Port Harcourt Ring Road Contract awarded at the cost of N195.3b standing at approximately N4b per kilometer shows that the Rivers state government is insensitive to the economic plight of the people and engaging in a show of shame by coming to the public to sign such world’s most flamboyant and luxurious contract.
The Anti-Corruption Group has observed with dismay that the cost of road construction in Nigeria has been consistently outrageous which now calls for serious concern and scrutiny. Going by a World Bank report, the cost of constructing 1km of road is less than half a billion Naira anywhere in the world irrespective of topographic differences. This figure is the benchmark that should not be surpassed regardless of several factors except vested interests that usually characterize public contracts in Nigeria.
“The only thing left out of the contract is for the Rivers state government to apply to the Guinness World Record (GWR) for verification and certification as the world’s most expensive contract.
