Ekiti Approves N16.75bn For Road Reconstruction, Streetlight Projects

The Ekiti State Executive Council has approved contracts worth N16.75 billion for road reconstruction, road upgrades and solar-powered streetlight projects aimed at improving infrastructure, connectivity and economic development across the state.

The Commissioner for Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun, disclosed this in a statement after the State Executive Council meeting on Monday, saying the projects align with the government’s commitment to enhancing transportation, security and socio-economic growth.

According to him, N14.309 billion was approved for two major road projects in Ado Ekiti and the Ekiti South-West/Ekiti West axis.

The largest allocation, N12.576 billion, will fund the reconstruction of the 18.83-kilometre Ilawe–Erijiyan–Ikogosi Road, which links Ekiti South-West and Ekiti West Local Government Areas. The project is expected to improve the movement of people and goods, strengthen security, provide easier access to the Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort and other tourist attractions, and stimulate economic activities along the corridor. The road is scheduled for completion within 16 months.

The council also approved N1.733 billion for the reconstruction of the 2.24-kilometre Spotless–Assembly of God/Opposite Olaoluwa Muslim Grammar School Road in Ado Ekiti. The project is designed to address severe pavement failure, improve traffic flow, reduce travel time and enhance road safety. It is expected to be completed within 12 months.

In addition, the council approved N2.063 billion for the upgrading of four roads being executed under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP). The upgrade will increase the asphalt thickness from 30 millimetres to 40 millimetres following traffic assessments that revealed significantly higher vehicle volumes than initially projected.

The affected roads are the 11.31-kilometre Ijero–Epe–Araromi–Iropora Road, 19.8-kilometre Ikole–Isaba–Ikoyi–Igbemo Road, 15.1-kilometre Ido–Ipere–Iludun Road, and the 15.73-kilometre Agbado–Ijisun–Ipole–Ise Road.

Olatunbosun said the additional works would be handled by the original contractors to ensure quality, continuity and compliance with the Ekiti State Public Procurement Law. The projects are expected to be completed within seven months.

The Executive Council further approved N381.65 million for the installation of solar-powered streetlights at three strategic locations in Ado Ekiti.

The approved streetlight projects include N125.439 million for Awedele Community and adjoining roads, N58.739 million for the rehabilitated access roads at GRA 3rd Extension off NTA Road (Phase III), and N197.472 million for the road linking Igirigiri Junction in Odo-Ado to the new Ado Ekiti Local Government Headquarters.

According to the commissioner, the streetlight installations are expected to improve security, enhance road safety and encourage commercial activities in the affected areas.