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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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