The Ekiti State Government has approved ₦16,373 billion for the reconstruction and upgrade of six roads across the state.

The approval was parts of the decisions reached yesterday at the end of the state executive meeting held in Ado Ekiti, which was presided over by Governor Biodun Oyebanji.

A statement by the commissioner for Information Mr Taiwo Olatunbosun, disclosed that the Council approved a total sum of ₦14,309 billion for two major road projects is to be undertaken in Ado-Ekiti and Ekiti South-West/Ekiti West axis as part of efforts at improving road infrastructure, enhancing connectivity and accelerating socio-economic development across the State.

“The approved projects are:
₦12,576,107,119.84 for the reconstruction of the 18.83-kilometre Ilawe–Erijiyan–Ikogosi Road, a strategic inter-community road linking Ekiti South-West and Ekiti West Local Government Areas.

“The project is expected to improve the movement of people and goods, enhance the security of lives and property, facilitate easier access to the Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort and other tourism assets, and stimulate economic activities along the corridor.

“The project was awarded to Messrs. Dromo International Company Limited, which previously constructed the road and possesses the requisite technical expertise and familiarity with the terrain. The reconstruction will be completed within 16 months, with payments tied to agreed project milestones.”

According to Olatunbosun, the sum of ₦1,733,293,611.34 was approved for the construction of the 2.24-kilometre Spotless–Assembly of God/Opposite Olaoluwa Muslim Grammar School Road, Ado-Ekiti.

“The road, which has deteriorated significantly over the years, will be reconstructed to address extensive pavement failure, improve traffic flow, reduce travel time, enhance security, and ease transportation challenges for residents and motorists.

“Following a competitive selective tendering process, the contract was awarded to Messrs. Garden of Mercy Engineering Limited, the most responsive bidder. The project is expected to be completed within 12 months.

“Both projects are critical interventions designed to improve transportation infrastructure, promote economic development, strengthen access to public facilities and tourist destinations, and improve the quality of life of residents.

“The approvals further reaffirm the Biodun Oyebanji Administration’s unwavering commitment to sustained investment in durable road infrastructure as a catalyst for economic growth, rural and urban connectivity, improved security, and inclusive development across Ekiti State.”

The commissioner also said that the State Executive Council approved the sum of ₦2,063,000,250.00 for the upgrading of four road projects being executed under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) through an increase in asphalt thickness from 30 millimetres (mm) to 40 millimetres (mm) to improve the roads’ durability and extend their service life.

“Council noted that although the roads were originally designed in accordance with the World Bank’s Low Volume Roads Manual for rural roads, traffic assessments during construction revealed that they are experiencing significantly higher vehicular volumes than initially projected.

“The increased traffic load made it necessary to enhance the pavement structure to meet the standard of an average State road and ensure long-term sustainability.

“The approval covers the additional asphalt works on the following road projects: Ijero–Epe–Araromi–Iropora Road (11.31km), to be executed by Messrs. Wals & Funs Nigeria Limited at a variation cost of ₦382,839,750.00; Ikole–Isaba–Ikoyi–Igbemo Road (19.8km), to be executed by Messrs. Delko Holdings Nigeria Limited at a variation cost of ₦653,191,500.00.

“The Ido–Ipere–Iludun Road (15.1km), to be executed by Messrs. Syriton Nigeria Limited at a variation cost of ₦505,486,500.00; and Agbado–Ijisun–Ipole–Ise Road (15.73km), to be executed by Messrs. Hensek Integrated Services Limited at a variation cost of ₦521,482,500.00.

“The additional works were approved to be undertaken by the original contractors in line with the provisions of the Ekiti State Public Procurement Law, having regard to their familiarity with the projects, technical capacity and the need to maintain construction quality and project continuity.

“The Council approved a completion period of seven months for the additional works.
The approval underscores the Biodun Oyebanji Administration’s commitment to delivering durable, high-quality road infrastructure that meets increasing traffic demands, improves connectivity between rural communities, facilitates agricultural production and marketing, and supports sustainable socio-economic development across Ekiti State,” he added.