The Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has clarified claims that the Oyo State Government is responsible for the delay in the completion of the 3km Elebu Junction–Oritamerin to Idi-Ayun road project in Ido Local Government Area.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Westernmirror.com.ng at the FERMA Head Office, Onireke, Ibadan, on Thursday, July 10, the Federal Road Maintenance Engineer for Oyo State, Engr. Tunde Adepoju, clarified widespread misconceptions about the project’s funding and execution.
According to Engr. Adepoju, while the project was approved by the Federal Government, the road in question is actually under state jurisdiction.
However, it was included in the federal constituency projects through the intervention of Hon. Remi Oseni, the lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency and Chairman of the House Committee on FERMA.
“The road in question is actually a state road, but it was in the lawmaker’s magnanimous wisdom that he routed the project through FERMA to ensure efficient execution,” he explained.
He revealed that the project involves two components; rehabilitation and new construction, both awarded in 2024 and currently being handled by IGC Nigeria Limited.
Engr. Adepoju further disclosed that contrary to public perception, the road measures approximately 3.6km from Akala Junction to its endpoint, not 3km as exactly stated.
He said that only 436 meters of the road have been completed, comprising 75 meters of rehabilitation and 327 meters of new construction.
He said the partial work was executed using an appropriation of ₦35 million, and therefore, highlighted severe funding constraints.
“To fully complete the 3km road, a total of not less than between ₦1.5 to ₦1.7 billion will be required. At the current rate, constructing one meter of road costs about ₦500,000,” he stated.
Engr. Adepoju also noted that FERMA is currently managing 14 other road projects across Ido Local Government, including communities like Apete and Awotan, in a bid to improve transportation, boost local economies, and create access.
He praised Hon. Remi Oseni for his role in facilitating the Elebu–Idi-Ayun road project and called on the state government, public officials, and private sector stakeholders to provide further support to ensure the project’s completion.
Engr. Adepoju emphasized that the relationship between FERMA and the Oyo State Government remains cordial.
He debunked rumors suggesting that the state government halted the project, noting that the portions earmarked under the current intervention of 35 million naira have been completed.
“The Oyo State Government never stopped the project. The portion approved for rehabilitation and reconstruction has been completed and delivered. What remains is the over 2,500 meters yet to be covered,” he said.
He commended Governor Seyi Makinde for his commitment to infrastructure development across the state.
“You know Governor Seyi Makinde, he doesn’t care who fixes any road. That’s why you see him fixing even federal roads because it’s the people of Oyo State who benefit from it,” Adepoju added.
He urged other public office holders and development partners to join forces in completing the road project, which he described as critical to the socio-economic wellbeing of residents in Ido Local Government.