The long-awaited rehabilitation of federal roads in Oyo State is facing severe setbacks, as construction companies handling these projects have decried a lack of funds from the federal government. At the Oyo Federal Roads Stakeholders Engagement held in Ibadan on Thursday, major contractors revealed that they have either received insufficient funding or have not been paid at all in years, leaving crucial roads in deplorable conditions.
HMF Construction Company, responsible for the Iseyin to Oke Ogun road, stated that despite being awarded a ₦50.5 billion contract, they have only received ₦776 million so far—a mere fraction of the required amount. This has made significant progress nearly impossible, raising concerns about when or if the project will be completed.
Similarly, Arab Construction, handling the Ibadan to Oyo road, disclosed that the last payment they received was in 2023, amounting to just ₦3.5 billion. With no additional funds forthcoming, the project has been in limbo, further deteriorating one of the most vital transport links in the state.
KOPEC Construction Company, responsible for the Ibadan to Ife road, also lamented the lack of financial support. According to company representatives, they received ₦4.5 billion in 2023, but with no additional disbursement since then, they have been forced to carry out mere palliative repairs for five years. The company expressed deep frustration, stating that unless funds are provided soon, they cannot guarantee the continuation of the project.
Perhaps the most shocking revelation concerns the Oyo to Ogbomosho road, a highway of national importance. Originally awarded to RCC Construction Company, the contract was terminated with no clear direction since. This particular road serves not just Oyo State but is a critical link for travelers heading northward from the southwest. Despite its significance, it remains in a state of absolute neglect. While the Minister of Works has given assurances that the project will soon be re-awarded, stakeholders are skeptical, given the history of abandoned federal road projects in the region.
With these alarming revelations, residents and commuters in Oyo State are left questioning the fate of these critical road projects. The lack of progress not only affects daily transportation but also hampers economic activities, leaving many to wonder when these roads will be completed or the federal government will allow Oyo State’s federal road network to collapse further
