Ademiluyin Worries Over Implementation Of Federal Government High Way Concessioning

By ADEOLA ABIOLA, Lagos.

A Lagos based fiery lawyer has expressed worries over the Federal Government notice of the commencement of the much touted Concessioning of 12 federal highways under Highway Development and Management Initiative (HMDI), saying that the implement is the concern.

He said that such experiment has been a disastrous tale because of the room to rip-off the suffering publics through taxes and other levies.

He cited Lekki-Ekpe expressway concessioning as a case study, which left a sour taste in the people’s mouth

The statement personally he personally signed to express his reservation is below:

I am seized of the plans by the Federal Government , which by a Notice dated 23rd March, 2021  issued  for the Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI) is set  to commence the procurement for the 12 ( twelve) Federal highway roads it intends to concession under its novel Highway Management Development Initiative (HMDI) conceived last year, 2020.

I am also seized of the fact that the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing  has launched an e-portal commencing the procurement process for the twelve pilot Federal highway roads for concession.


I am also seized of the fact that the Federal Minister of Works and Housing Minister, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN), stated to the media  that the e-portal was launched in order to ensure competitiveness and guarantee transparency and would serve as the interface with the public in the management of the HDMI from Procurement to Implementation.

According to Mr. Babatunde Fashola , the HDMI  would unleash the commercial opportunities on Nigerian highways from paved roads, to clean and well-maintained highways, proper signage and route assurance signs, rest houses and commuter support for emergencies like vehicle towing and repairs.

I am quick to warn that despite the mouth-watering picture that the Federal Minister of Works and Housing wants the world to believe that the Private CONCESSIONING of roads will bring , in reality, the implementation of same has been disastrous.

The most striking example is that of the Lekki-Epe Expressway , which was concessioned to a private limited liability company, Lekki Concession Company. Under the CONCESSIONING agreement, Toll Gates were erected to procure Returns on Investment. This is after tax payers have parted with their hard earned money as taxes.

This is double rip-off for the tax paying public. I am of the view that  an effective Public Works Programme with mass employment of millions of unemployed youths on a living wage is a better alternative.