Umahi Warns Controllers of Works Over Ibadan–Ife–Ilesa Road Project, Orders Strict Compliance to Directives
The Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, has issued a strong warning to controllers of works supervising the Ibadan–Ife–Ilesa road project, cautioning that he would not hesitate to replace any official who fails to enforce standards and deliver according to specifications.
Umahi gave the warning during an inspection of the Osun section of the ongoing reconstruction, stating that accountability at the site level would determine the success or failure of the project. He said underperforming controllers would be removed and retrained before being redeployed to project sites.
Following the warning, the minister ordered a temporary suspension of major reconstruction activities on the Ibadan–Ife–Ilesa Road and directed the contractor handling the project, CBC Global Civil and Building Construction Nigeria Ltd, to review and verify the pavement mixture specifications being used.
He instructed the contractor to visit another project site to study the approved mixture before resuming work, stressing that compliance with engineering standards was non-negotiable.
“Go and check that mixture and then resume your work,” he said.
Umahi also directed that work on the main carriageway be slowed down, while two teams be immediately deployed to focus on constructing the inner and outer shoulders of the road, describing the shoulder works as critical to the durability of the project.
The minister further raised concerns over a ₦2.8 billion palliative certificate issued on the project, saying he had not seen corresponding evidence of the work executed. He ordered that the certificate be withdrawn within 24 hours and insisted that proper palliative works be carried out, including milling all failed and cracked sections of the road.
“I don’t want to see any pothole,” he warned, adding that binder must be properly applied to affected sections.
Umahi also directed that heavy-duty trucks parked on newly constructed concrete sections be removed within 24 hours, warning that such loads could weaken the pavement structure over time.
On ancillary works, he ordered the suspension of solar streetlight installation along the corridor until shoulder construction is completed, noting that project sequencing must be strictly followed.
Despite the directives, the minister commended the contractor for maintaining steady progress on the project, noting that significant portions of the 108-kilometre stretch had already been completed, with ongoing work progressing despite funding challenges.