The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved a whopping N733.89 billion for the dualization of the Oyo-Ogbomoso Road in Oyo State, along with other critical projects.
This announcement was made by the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, after the 24th Federal Executive Council meeting held at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja.
The dualization project, which covers the 147-kilometer stretch of the Ibadan-Ilorin Road, Section Two, is valued at N147.89 billion. The contract for this project was awarded to GRVe, and the road will be constructed with reinforced concrete pavement.
The Oyo-Ogbomoso road is a critical transportation artery that connects Oyo State to the rest of Nigeria. The road links the bustling cities of Ibadan and Lagos, making it a vital route for commerce and trade. The road also serves as a gateway to northern Nigeria, providing a critical link between the southern and northern regions of the country.
In addition to the Oyo-Ogbomoso Road project, the Federal Executive Council also approved funding for other key projects, including:
– Dualization of the Odupani-Itu-Idedem Item-Ikot Ekpene Road: This project, which spans across Cross River and Akwa Ibom States, was awarded to Decon Construction Nigeria Limited for N55 billion.
– Completion of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Road: The contract for this project, which covers 164 kilometers, was awarded to InfoWest Nigeria Limited for N507 billion.
– Construction of a Flyover at Abakpa: This project, valued at N24 billion, aims to ease traffic congestion in the area and was awarded to CCECC.
Umahi clarified that the project distribution is based on factors such as procurement processing timelines and not deliberate regional favoritism. He also pointed out that many of the projects being executed by the current administration were inherited from the previous government, and their distribution was not initially equitable.
Furthermore, the Federal Executive Council has approved a N1.09 billion insurance package to cover critical assets and personnel across all federal airports nationwide. This move is essential for Nigeria’s airports to secure International Civil Aviation Organization certification.
The Oyo-Ogbomoso road project has been a long-standing initiative aimed at improving the connectivity between Oyo State and the rest of Nigeria. The project has a rich history dating back to the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
In 2001, the Federal Government awarded the contract for the construction of the Oyo-Ogbomoso road to a consortium of contractors. However, the project suffered from delays and setbacks due to funding constraints and other logistical challenges
During the administration of President Umaru Yar’Adua, the project was re-awarded to a new set of contractors.However, the project continued to suffer from funding constraints and other challenges. In 2011, the Federal Government allocated N10 billion for the project, but the funds were reportedly diverted to other uses.
In 2015, President Muhammadu Buhari assumed office and pledged to prioritize the completion of ongoing infrastructure projects, including the Oyo-Ogbomoso road. In 2018, the Federal Government re-awarded the contract for the construction of the Oyo-Ogbomoso road to a new set of contractors. However, the project has continued to experience delays and setbacks due to funding constraints and other challenges.
Over the years, the Oyo-Ogbomoso road project has been plagued by allegations of corruption and fraud. In 2019, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) launched an investigation into the alleged diversion of funds meant for the project.
The approval of the project has been welcomed by stakeholders, who believe that it will have a significant impact on the economy of Oyo State and the rest of Nigeria.