Road users and residents in the Ota/Idiroko axis have called on the Federal Government and the contractor handling the rehabilitation and expansion of the 64-kilometre Ota-Idiroko road to ensure high-quality work, adherence to specifications, and timely completion to alleviate the hardship experienced in the area.
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The Ota-Idiroko road, a critical link between Ogun State and the border region, has been deplorable for years, severely affecting businesses and daily commuting.

Residents and road users say the international route should be constructed to the highest standards, ensuring durability, smoother transportation, and increased economic activities along the corridor.

The Guardian learnt that the road was initially awarded to telecom giant Globacom in 2021 under a tax credit arrangement. However, after three years without any visible progress, the Ogun State Government requested the revocation of the contract, a move which the Federal Government granted.

In a fresh bid to ensure the road’s completion, the contract was awarded to another contractor with a budget of N15 billion approved for the project in January.

The project is one of the major roadworks outlined in the 2024 budget following the increase in the Ministry of Works’ allocation to N1.03 trillion. The project scope includes asphalt pavement, bridges at critical locations such as Oju Ore, and the construction of adequate drainage systems.

Despite this progress, the demolition of buildings along the Right of Way in the Oju Ore/Atan community and along the ECOWAS road in July sparked protests.
Affected property owners alleged that the contractor deviated from the original government-approved plans. They claimed the contractor ignored buildings marked for demolition and dug substandard drainage systems near the main road. One of the protesters, Mr Olaore, a motorist, expressed disappointment that the road was not being constructed with concrete as initially expected.
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“We had hoped for concrete work on this international highway, but even the asphalt used is substandard. The drainage being constructed is too narrow to be effective,” he said.

Another resident, Bola Obawoile, warned that the poor quality of work could lead to further environmental problems such as flooding and erosion. Similarly, a university worker, Mr Bello, noted that motorists were forced to endure traffic congestion and use one-way routes due to the ongoing construction. He added that many were worried the road might fall into disrepair shortly after completion.

However, a senior government official, who spoke to The Guardian on condition of anonymity, defended the quality of work, stating that the contractor is a reputable firm.

The official added that the Ogun State Ministry of Physical Planning was responsible for the demolition and assured compensation would be given to those who legally owned their properties.The project, expected to be completed in 24 months, began in July 2024, with the first 10 kilometres slated for dualisation.
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