Akure-Ado Ekiti Highway Reconstruction Stalled Due to Lack of Logistics

The reconstruction work on the Akure-Ado Ekiti highway, which was flagged off by the former Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, has been stalled by the lack of necessary logistics from the Federal Government.

The road, which is supposed to be a 45-minute journey, has become a nightmare for motorists due to its poor state.

The Akure-Ikere-Ado Ekiti highway is one of the major roads linking Ondo and Ekiti states. It is also a strategic route for travellers from other parts of the country. The road has been in a deplorable condition for years, causing accidents, traffic jams, and security challenges.

In a bid to address the situation, the former Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, had flagged off the reconstruction of the 49km road in June 2021. He said the road was being constructed by the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited under the Tax Credit Policy at a cost of over N90bn.

He explained that the former contractor could not start work because the Sukuk fund that was to be used does not pay mobilisation to contractors. He said two contractors were engaged to construct the road. The 18.438km Akure axis was awarded to Samchase Nigeria Limited.

However, a visit to the road showed that the contractor had only carried out remedial work from the Ado garage in Akure up to Jegele Community. A senior staff of Samchase Nigeria Limited said they were only trying to make the road motorable for road users. He confirmed that they have not been provided with adequate logistics by the Federal Government.

He declined to explain what he meant by logistics, but said they were doing their best and waiting for logistics. Some motorists at the Ado garage in Akure said they would continue taking other longer routes until the road is fixed.

The delay in the construction of the Akure-Ado Ekiti highway has raised concerns among residents and commuters who are eager to see the completion of the project. They have appealed to the Federal Government to provide the necessary logistics for the contractor to resume full work and deliver quality service.

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