Motorists Stranded as FG Begins Emergency Repairs on Failed Ekiti Highway

Motorists and residents along the Ifaki-Oye-Kabba Road in Ekiti State have expressed frustration over the deteriorating condition of the federal highway, as the Federal Government begins emergency repairs on failed sections.

The Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, visited Ekiti State on Tuesday to inspect the condition of federal roads, including a severely damaged portion around Oye-Ekiti where several articulated vehicles had reportedly been stranded for days.

Goronyo expressed concern over the hardship faced by motorists and road users as emergency palliative work commenced to restore movement along the affected section.

An articulated truck driver, Quasm Abudu, said he had been stuck at the location for about three days, lamenting the difficulties and business opportunities lost during the delay.

A resident and road user, Bolade Olowo, described the condition of the road as “traumatic and unpalatable”, warning that its continued deterioration was crippling economic activities and creating security concerns.

Olowo appealed to President Bola Tinubu, Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency and other relevant authorities to urgently mobilise resources for the road’s rehabilitation.

The Ifaki-Oye-Kabba route connects communities including Ifaki, Oye, Ayegbaju, Ilupeju, Itapa and Osin-Ekiti. It also serves as an important corridor for heavy-duty trucks travelling between the South-West and other parts of the country.

Goronyo described the road as a critical economic link between the South-West and northern Nigeria, stressing the need for urgent intervention.

He disclosed that the Federal Government awarded the rehabilitation contract to Gamji in 2025. However, the contractor had reportedly complained of inadequate funding despite being mobilised.

The minister said the government would review the funding arrangement and ensure the contractor received adequate resources to return to the site.

Meanwhile, immediate intervention has commenced through the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency, with equipment and materials deployed to the affected section.

Goronyo said the emergency work was aimed at making the road passable and freeing trucks that had remained stranded for days.

The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to rehabilitating the highway and restoring normal movement along the route as quickly as possible.