FIC Report (Oyo State) – The Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, has issued a stern warning to controllers of works overseeing the ongoing reconstruction of the Ibadan–Ife–Ilesa Road, saying he will not hesitate to replace any official who fails to properly supervise the project or enforce approved standards.
Umahi spoke during an inspection of the Osun State section of the road project, where he stressed the importance of accountability among those directly responsible for monitoring the work on site.
According to him, the quality of supervision will ultimately determine the success of the project. He warned that any controller found wanting would be withdrawn, retrained and only redeployed after demonstrating the required level of competence.
During the inspection, the minister also ordered a temporary halt to major reconstruction works on the road and directed the contractor, CBC Global Civil and Building Construction Nigeria Ltd, to re-evaluate the pavement mixture currently being used.
He instructed the contractor to visit another project location where the approved mixture is being applied and ensure that the same standard is maintained before work resumes on the Ibadan–Ife–Ilesa corridor.
“Go and check that mixture and then resume your work,” Umahi said.
The minister further directed that activities on the main carriageway be slowed down while two separate teams focus on constructing the inner and outer shoulders of the road. He described the shoulder works as a critical component of the project, noting that they play a major role in extending the lifespan of the highway.
Umahi also questioned a ₦2.8 billion palliative works certificate reportedly issued on the project, saying he was yet to see evidence that matched the amount claimed. He ordered that the certificate be withdrawn within 24 hours and insisted that proper remedial work be carried out.
He specifically directed that all failed and cracked sections of the road be milled and repaired, warning that no potholes should be left unattended.
“I don’t want to see any pothole,” he said, while also emphasizing the need for proper application of binder on affected sections.
The minister equally expressed concern over the presence of heavy-duty trucks parked on newly constructed concrete portions of the road. He directed that the vehicles be removed within 24 hours, warning that continuous pressure from such loads could weaken the pavement over time.
On the installation of solar streetlights along the route, Umahi ordered that the exercise be suspended until the shoulder construction is completed, stressing that project activities must follow the proper sequence.
Despite the issues raised, the minister commended the contractor for the progress recorded so far. He noted that substantial work had already been completed on the 108-kilometre road and acknowledged the efforts being made despite funding constraints.
The Ibadan–Ife–Ilesa Road remains one of the key transport corridors in the South-West, serving thousands of commuters and businesses daily.
Report by Blessing Oluwadamilola Ajayi(Corp member). Edited by Moses Oyelade, AD(I&PR). FIC, Ibadan.
