Ota-Idiroko road project gets N15 billion approval
…as NASS raises Ministry of Works budgetary allocation
The 64-kilometre Ota-Idiroko road project, with a budget of N15 billion, has finally received approval, signifying a substantial step towards its realization.
This project is amongst the key road constructions outlined in the 2024 budget, following an increase in the Ministry of Works’ budgetary allocation to N1.03 trillion, a significant rise from the proposed N657.3 billion. This marks a 56.7% increase from the original figure and a 65.4% increase from the 2023 budget allocation.
The capital budget for the Ministry of Works was raised from N617.9 billion to N987.3 billion. Several new capital projects have been introduced in the approved budget, reflecting an expansion in infrastructure development across the nation.
Key allocations include: N15 billion for the construction of Ota-Idiroko road sections one to three, N4 billion for the construction of Iyin-Ilawe Ekiti road sections one to three, N94.83 billion for the construction of Lafia road, and the dualization of 9th Mile (Enugu) Otukpo-Makurdi (Keffi Phase II) road project.
Additionally, N22.750 billion was approved for the dualization of the Benin-Ilesha road, and N10.1 billion for the construction of Malando-Garin-Baka-Ngaski-Wara road in Kebbi State. Moreover, N11 billion was allocated for the construction of Koko-Besse-Zaria-Kala Kala road in Kebbi State, N3.75 billion for the dualization of Aba-Ikot Ekpene road, N1.21 billion for the repair of the Iganmu bridge, and N5.1 billion for the provision of culverts and drains at flood-prone areas in the South-West.
Given the extensive nature of the Ota-Idiroko road, various stakeholders have emphasized the need for high design and specification standards to be met, particularly considering its status as a major international route.
This includes advocating for a thorough traffic count study before commencing the reconstruction. Furthermore, there are calls for the involvement of local engineers in the road project to ensure the highest standard of execution.
