The Center for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity (CeFTPI) has raised serious concerns over the N43 billion Third Mainland...
The Center for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity (CeFTPI) has raised serious concerns over the N43 billion Third Mainland Bridge rehabilitation and surveillance project, citing transparency gaps and indications of possible contract inflation.
Speaking on behalf of the organisation, the Executive Director of CeFTPI, Dr. Umar Yakubu, said the group’s assessment—benchmarked against global infrastructure standards—revealed cost figures that significantly exceed acceptable international norms, particularly in the areas of maintenance and surveillance.
According to CeFTPI, the allocation of N40.6 billion for rehabilitation translates to about N3.4 billion per kilometre, a figure Dr. Yakubu described as excessive for maintenance works and comparable to the cost of constructing new highways in similar markets. He noted that such expenditure raises serious questions about value for money and fiscal responsibility.
The organisation also expressed concern over the N2.5 billion earmarked for the installation of a CCTV surveillance system on the bridge. Dr. Yakubu said the amount, equivalent to about $1.75 million, is nearly four times higher than global benchmarks for similar high-security bridge monitoring systems, even after official clarifications.
On procurement, CeFTPI alleged irregularities, with Dr. Yakubu pointing out that the costs of surveillance equipment and solar power solutions appear significantly inflated when compared to prevailing global prices. He further warned that complex sub-contracting arrangements could conceal management fees and potential political kickbacks, estimated at between 30 and 40 per cent of the total contract value.
The Executive Director also questioned claims that the CCTV installation would help prevent suicides, stressing that surveillance cameras are primarily observational tools and do not provide the physical deterrents proven to reduce such incidents.
As part of its recommendations, CeFTPI urged the Ministry of Works to immediately publish the Bill of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation (BEME) for the project to ensure transparency and rule out any possibility of double-billing for previously executed repairs. Dr. Yakubu also called on the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the procurement process, particularly the technology component, for possible contract inflation.
He further appealed to the National Assembly to suspend further payments on the outstanding N4 billion balance until a comprehensive forensic audit is conducted, provided the legislature is not complicit in the process.
Reaffirming the organisation’s stance, Dr. Umar Yakubu said a 400 per cent markup above international standards is unjustifiable, adding that CeFTPI would continue to monitor public infrastructure spending, advocate for disclosure of project documents, and engage relevant stakeholders to promote accountability and integrity in Nigeria’s public sector projects.
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