Clarifying the Confusion Around the Ilorin–Omuaran–Egbe Road Project
Senator Sunday Karimi, representing Kogi West, has addressed the confusion surrounding the recent approval by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) of Phase One of the Ilorin–Omuaran–Egbe road project, valued at ₦43 billion. His media team released a statement on Friday to clarify the situation and reassure the public about the ongoing efforts to rehabilitate key sections of the road.
The statement emphasized that the sections approved by the FEC have been in progress since the previous administration. It also clarified that this does not undermine the senator’s efforts to rehabilitate the Isanlu–Yagba East section, which is funded with ₦9 billion and included in the 2025 budget. The senator’s team highlighted that this particular section is still undergoing the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) approval process before it can be submitted to the FEC for final approval.
A History of the Road Project
The Ilorin–Omuaran–Egbe road project was initially approved under the Goodluck Jonathan administration and began construction 11 years ago. Originally designated as the Kabba–Egbe–Ilorin road, the project faced setbacks shortly after its launch in April 2014, when work was halted just a year later.
Residents of Kogi West had anticipated that construction would resume from the Kogi State end, where the project was abandoned, and continue towards Ilorin in Kwara State. However, the latest FEC approval, announced by the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, indicates a shift in focus. The project has now been rebranded as the Ilorin–Omuaran–Egbe road, with Phase One starting from the Kwara State end. This 31-kilometre stretch will cost ₦43 billion, while the remaining 184 kilometres are expected to follow once funding becomes available.
Key Details from the Senator’s Statement
The media team of Senator Sunday Steve Karimi acknowledged the confusion surrounding the approval of contracts for certain sections of the Ilorin–Omuaran–Eruku road. Upon receiving the news, the senator took immediate action and spoke with Minister Umahi, who confirmed that the sections approved by the FEC have been ongoing since the last administration but only recently received BPP approval. This section runs from Ilorin to around Omupo.
However, the Isanlu–Yagba East section, which is also ongoing and funded with approximately ₦9 billion, is still being processed through the BPP. Once this process is complete, the section will be presented to the FEC for final approval. The entire Isanlu–Yagba East section is estimated to cost ₦25 billion.
Another challenge facing the project is the non-release of funds to contractors, as no contractor would proceed without assurance of payment. The senator’s team assured the public that the FEC approval, once finalized, would address these concerns. They also emphasized that efforts are underway to ensure the funding of the 2025 Appropriation Act.
Minister Umahi’s Remarks
After the Federal Executive Council meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Minister Umahi addressed correspondents. He mentioned that the council considered 11 memos from his ministry, including nine for reviews of inherited projects and two for new contract awards. These efforts aim to complete key national road projects.
Umahi explained that several ongoing projects from previous administrations were reviewed for funding and design adjustments, including the Ilorin–Omuaran–Egbe road and the old Enugu–Onitsha road. The 216-kilometre Ilorin–Omuaran–Egbe road has been phased, with 31 kilometres to be executed under Phase One at a cost of ₦43 billion. The remaining 184 kilometres will follow when funding improves.
Collaboration with State Governors
In addition, Umahi revealed that the federal government has initiated discussions with state governors to take over stalled federal road projects across the country. This initiative aims to accelerate project completion and reduce pressure on the national budget.
The senator’s team encouraged the people of Kogi West, particularly those affected by the road project, to rest assured that Senator Karimi is committed to seeing the project through. They emphasized that he is doing everything within his power to ensure the road is rehabilitated as a short-term measure and fully reconstructed to meet the daily demands of users and boost the economic activities of the area.