Akure, Nigeria — Nearly five months after President Bola Tinubu approved the dualization of the Akure-Ilesha, Akure-Ore, and Benin-Akure roads, contractors have yet to mobilize to the project sites, sparking concern among road users and stakeholders. The absence of construction activities is especially troubling given the perilous conditions of these single-lane roads, which have seen a series of deadly accidents.

A History of Tragedy on These Roads

These roads are critical corridors in Nigeria, linking major cities across Ondo, Osun, and Edo States. Due to their narrow, single-lane configuration, these highways have become notorious for head-on collisions and high-speed crashes, resulting in numerous fatalities.

Recent incidents underscore the urgent need for the dualization project:

1. August 29, 2024 - Ajue Community, Akure-Ondo Road: A catastrophic accident claimed the lives of 16 people, involving multiple vehicles and highlighting the dangers of the congested single-lane route.
2. August 31, 2024 - Ikeji-Arakeji, Ilesha-Akure Road: A multi-vehicle crash left four dead and over 20 others injured. The FRSC attributed this incident to speeding and reckless overtaking.
3. September 12, 2024 - Akure-Ondo Road: A tragic collision took the lives of two students from the Federal Polytechnic, Ile Oluji, when their vehicle collided with a truck.
4. October 13, 2024 - Ondo Road, Near Olokuta Correctional Center: A lone crash claimed one life in what has become a frequent occurrence on this dangerous stretch of road.

These tragedies highlight the pressing need for road expansion to accommodate increasing traffic and reduce the number of avoidable deaths. However, despite the Federal Government's significant intervention, there are still no signs of progress on these projects.

Why the Delay?

On July 30, 2024, President Bola Tinubu announced the dualization of these critical roads—marking the first time since 1999 that the Federal Government has prioritized these major highways. The decision was widely lauded as a crucial step towards addressing Nigeria’s infrastructure challenges. Yet, nearly six months after this landmark approval, there are still no contractors on-site.

The delay has fueled speculation that contractors may be deliberately stalling the projects, possibly to undermine the government's efforts. With President Tinubu’s administration keen on delivering critical infrastructure, some stakeholders believe vested interests might be at play to frustrate these projects and tarnish the administration’s achievements.

Who Should Be Held Accountable?

The lack of progress raises serious questions about the transparency and accountability of the contractors as well as the federal agencies overseeing these projects. Stakeholders are now calling on the Ministry of Works and Housing to investigate why construction has not commenced despite funds reportedly being allocated.

Motorists and residents who frequently ply these routes are left wondering if this is a case of bureaucratic sabotage or sheer incompetence. Each day that passes without action increases the risk of further accidents, leading many to question whether the lives lost on these roads are being taken seriously.

A Call to Action

Community leaders, transportation unions, and concerned citizens are demanding urgent action. Lawmakers, traditional rulers, and civil society organizations are urged to press for answers on the status of these contracts. The public deserves to know why these critical road projects have stalled despite a clear directive from the presidency.

The stakes are high, and if contractors continue to delay, the government’s good intentions could be overshadowed by more casualties on these dangerous roads. Now is the time for all stakeholders to demand accountability and ensure that this crucial project is expedited.

Written by Taiwo Owoeye

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Taiwo Owoeye

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