A civic technology platform, MonITNG, has raised concerns over the reported early deterioration of sections of the Ekpoma–Esan West Local Government Area Expressway in Edo State, calling on Governor Monday Okpebholo to demand explanations from the agencies and contractors responsible for the project.

MonITNG, which provides citizens with information to monitor the progress of public projects and access public data, raised the concerns in a post on its official X handle on Monday.

The platform alleged that parts of the road were already showing signs of failure barely months after construction, despite the project not yet being officially handed over to the Federal Government.

“Barely months after construction, parts of the Ekpoma–Esan West LGA Expressway are already showing signs of failure, even though the road has not yet been officially handed over to the Federal Government,” MonITNG stated.

It expressed concern that defects identified after commissioning could become difficult to address once contractors leave the project site, potentially leaving government and taxpayers to bear the cost of repairs.

“But what happens after commissioning? Once the contractors leave, getting them back to fix defects can become a bureaucratic nightmare. We have seen this cycle far too many times in Nigeria,” the platform said.

MonITNG subsequently called on Governor Okpebholo to provide clarity on the supervision and quality-control mechanisms for the project.

“Governor Okpebholo owes the people of Esan and Edo State an explanation. Who is supervising the Ekpoma–Esan West LGA Expressway? Why are sections already failing before completion? Where is the accountability from the agencies responsible for ensuring quality?” it asked.

The platform stressed that its concerns were not aimed at opposing the road project but at ensuring that public funds were used to deliver durable infrastructure.

“We are not against development. We want this road. But we want the Ekpoma–Esan West LGA Expressway built to last, not another ‘commission today, collapse tomorrow, re-award the contract next year’ cycle that has wasted public funds for decades,” it stated.

According to MonITNG, proper road construction requires adequate soil testing, proper sub-base preparation and compaction, effective drainage systems, quality-certified asphalt and bitumen, independent supervision and strict enforcement of the Defects Liability Period.

It maintained that Edo residents deserved infrastructure capable of serving communities for decades and reflecting the public funds committed to the project.

“Edo people deserve roads that reflect the billions spent and serve them for decades, not roads that begin to fail before the paint dries,” the platform said.

MonITNG urged the governor to seek answers from the supervising agency and ensure that any identified defects were addressed before the project was formally completed and handed over.

“Mr. Governor, demand answers and hold the supervising agency accountable. The people of Esan are watching,” it added.