FG Finally Moves on Ekiti Highway: Emergency Repairs Begin, Trucks Freed
The Federal Government has kicked off emergency repairs on the failed Ifaki-Oye-Kabba Road in Ekiti State, a critical economic corridor that had left motorists stranded for days and communities cut off. Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, visited the site on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, to assess the damage and reassure Nigerians that help is on the way.
This is the kind of swift action we have been waiting for. The road, which links the South-West to the northern states, is a lifeline for heavy-duty trucks and local communities. For too long, the deteriorating condition has been crippling trade and threatening security in Oye Local Government Area.
Why the Ifaki-Oye-Kabba Road Matters So Much
This isn't just any road. It connects Ifaki, Oye, Ayegbaju, Ilupeju, Itapa and Osin-Ekiti, all communities that depend on this route for their economic survival. Trucks carrying goods pass through here to other states, making it a vital artery for regional commerce.
Residents have been vocal about the hardship. Mr Bolade Olowo, a road user from Oye-Ekiti, didn't mince words when he described the situation as traumatic and unpalatable. He warned that the road's collapse was cutting off communities and posing a serious security threat to the area.
“The continued deterioration of the road is crippling socio-economic activities. It has cut off communities in the local government and along the route. It also poses a serious security threat in the area,” Olowo said.
Drivers Left Stranded for Days: The Human Cost
Behind the statistics are real people. Quasm Abudu, an articulated vehicle driver, had been stuck at a spot near Oye-Ekiti for three days. Three days of missed opportunities, lost income and mounting frustration. His story is the story of many who depend on this road for their daily bread.
The Federal Government has heard these cries and is responding. Emergency palliative works have already begun to make the road passable and free the trucks that have been trapped for days.
What the Government Is Doing Right Now
Goronyo didn't come with empty promises. He came with a plan. The government has deployed equipment and materials through the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to the affected section. The goal is simple: make the road usable within 48 hours.
Here is the breakdown of the intervention:
- Immediate palliative works on the failed portion around Oye-Ekiti
- Blocking the entrance from the Ifaki end to stop articulated vehicles from using the road until repairs are done
- Review of funding for the main rehabilitation contract awarded to Gamji in 2025
- Immediate remedial work promised for the Efon-Iwaraja Road, another failed federal road in the state
“Roads Lead to Prosperity”: The Bigger Vision
Goronyo framed this intervention as part of a broader directive from President Bola Tinubu to tackle critical road failures nationwide. He pointed to major projects like the 1,068km Illela-Sokoto-Badagry Highway, the 750km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Road as proof of the administration's commitment.
“The massive investment in road infrastructure is necessary because roads are central to virtually every aspect of the economy. Once you have roads, you have security, you have employment generation, you have agriculture, you have healthcare. You have everything. Roads lead to prosperity,” Goronyo said.
He also made a bold claim: “There is no president in the history of this country that has given priority to road infrastructure like President Bola Tinubu.” Strong words, but the proof will be in the delivery.
What Happens Next for Ekiti Roads
The minister appealed for patience from agitated motorists and urged them to create a conducive atmosphere for contractors to work. He assured residents that the Tinubu administration is leaving no stone unturned to ensure good roads across the country.
For now, the immediate priority is clearing the gridlock and restoring access. The bigger task, the full rehabilitation of the Ifaki-Oye-Kabba Road, is still ahead. But this emergency intervention shows that when the pressure mounts, the government can and will respond.
We will be watching to ensure these promises translate into action. The people of Ekiti deserve nothing less.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Ifaki-Oye-Kabba Road be fully repaired?
The Federal Government has awarded a rehabilitation contract to Gamji, but funding issues delayed mobilization. The government says it will review the funding arrangement and ensure the contractor returns to site soon. Emergency palliative works are ongoing now to make the road passable within 48 hours.
Which roads in Ekiti are affected by this intervention?
The immediate focus is on the Ifaki-Oye-Kabba Road, specifically the failed portion around Oye-Ekiti. The Minister of State also inspected the Efon-Iwaraja Road and promised immediate remedial work on its failed sections.
Why is this road so important to the region?
The Ifaki-Oye-Kabba Road links the South-West to northern Nigeria and serves as a critical economic corridor for heavy-duty trucks. It connects several communities in Oye Local Government Area, supporting trade, agriculture and security in the region.