Oluwafunbi Bello 
Minister of Works, Dave Umahi,
IBADAN, Nigeria – The Federal Government issues a stern ultimatum to the contractor handling the Ibadan-Ilesha expressway, warning that it will take over half of the project if urgent repairs fail to commence immediately.
Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, gave the warning on Wednesday during an inspection of the 216-kilometre dual carriageway, citing worsening road conditions and slow emergency interventions.
“If they do not comply with what I have directed, I will take over 108 kilometres of this road — one full carriageway,” Umahi says.
The minister orders the contractor, CBC, to immediately deploy five full work gangs, with one team handling a critical 50-kilometre stretch from the starting point of the road, working simultaneously in both directions.
Umahi acknowledges progress on parts of the project but insists that performance must reflect capacity.
“They are doing well, but they must understand their limits. Capacity is proven by action on the ground,” he states.
He criticises what he describes as unnecessary excavation works, warning that such activities will not attract federal payment.
“There is no justification for removing entire laterite layers at this stage. I will not pay for work done outside specification,” he says.
Umahi directs that repairs focus on damaged shoulder sections, rather than full reconstruction, and confirms that the Federal Government will fund temporary asphalt palliative works using counterpart funding.
“The palliative work must start now. I want road users to feel immediate relief,” the minister adds.
The Ibadan-Ilesha corridor remains a major economic and commuter route in southwestern Nigeria, with its deteriorating condition posing daily risks to motorists and traders.
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Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
Oluwatobi Adu 
Juliet Jacob