Expert Urges FG To Prioritise Rehabilitation Of Ekiti-Ado-Ifaki-Abuja Road
A development expert and Chief Executive Officer of Global Development Initiatives, Michael Ale, has appealed to the Federal Government to urgently rehabilitate the deteriorating sections of the Ado-Ifaki-Abuja federal road corridor in Ekiti State.
Ale, in a statement made available to journalists in Lagos on Thursday, identified portions of the road passing through Ayegbaju Oye and Ilupeju communities as areas requiring immediate government intervention.
He described the corridor as a strategic road linking parts of southwestern Nigeria with the Federal Capital Territory, stressing that its condition had significant implications for transportation, commerce and regional economic development.
According to him, the deterioration of some sections of the road has resulted in potholes, erosion, traffic congestion and delays for motorists and other road users.
He cited a recent gridlock along the Oye-Ilupeju section, where erosion reportedly created large potholes that left some vehicles stranded for hours and forced motorists to seek alternative routes.
Ale also referred to another incident on Wednesday, September 9, when a truck reportedly fell across the road, resulting in prolonged traffic congestion.
He expressed concern that the challenges on the corridor could have wider implications because the route serves communities and institutions, including the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, with students, staff, residents, commercial operators and other road users depending on it daily.
The development expert further raised concerns over reported accidents on some portions of the road, calling for measures to improve safety and ensure smoother movement of people and goods.
Ale appealed to President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Works to give urgent attention to the affected sections and consider their rehabilitation as part of the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to improve the nation’s road infrastructure.
He said, “A very good road network is needed for viable commercial and development activities to thrive. The road network we are talking about here links the western parts of the country to the Federal Capital Territory and provides an important route for commercial vehicles and trucks conveying goods.”
He added that restoring the road would enhance its economic potential while improving connectivity for communities and businesses along the corridor.
Ale also commended the Federal Government for ongoing road projects across the country, particularly the Ibadan-Ado-Akure axis and the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
He noted that the projects would contribute to improved connectivity, economic growth and national development.
“We therefore appeal for similar attention to be given to important federal road corridors in Ekiti State, particularly the Ado-Ifaki and Ilupeju axis, in the interests of motorists, communities, businesses, students and other road users,” he said.
He stressed that timely intervention on the road would reduce traffic challenges, improve road safety and support economic activities across the affected communities.
