FG Threatens to Revoke 50% of Ibadan–Ilesha Road Contract

The Federal Government has warned that it may take over 50 per cent of the rehabilitation and expansion contract of the Ibadan–Ilesha expressway if the contractor fails to comply with project directives.

The Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, issued the warning on Wednesday during an inspection tour of the ongoing road project.

Umahi acknowledged that the contractor was making progress on the project, which covers about 216 kilometres, but stressed that performance would be closely monitored and that the government would not hesitate to reduce the scope of the contract if necessary.

“They are doing well because they are working on 216km of road. However, they should understand their capacity,” the minister said.
“If they don’t do what I am about to issue, then I will take over 108km of the road, which is one full carriageway.”

He explained that the government’s immediate concern was the condition of failed sections of the highway, insisting that urgent palliative work must be carried out to ease hardship for road users.

Umahi directed the contractor to deploy five full construction gangs to handle the concrete work simultaneously.

According to him, the first gang should cover chainage zero to chainage 25 on both sides, amounting to 50 kilometres, while the remaining four gangs should focus on other failed portions of the road to provide temporary relief.

The minister also warned that the Federal Government would not pay for unnecessary earthworks, describing some of the ongoing activities as avoidable and cost-inflating.

“I have seen that CBC is producing works for themselves. There is no need for this entire earthwork they are doing. The earthwork will come after the concrete is laid,” Umahi said.

He clarified that only work on the road shoulders was required at the current stage, noting that the inner shoulder is 1.5 metres while the outer shoulder measures 2.75 metres.

“There is no need to remove it and bring back another laterite later. They are making works for themselves, and I will not pay for it,” he emphasised.

The Ibadan–Ilesha expressway is a major arterial road linking parts of Oyo and Osun states, and its poor condition has been a longstanding source of concern for motorists and businesses.

The Federal Government has repeatedly pledged to ensure timely delivery of the project in line with approved specifications and cost controls.