Ondo resident petitions EFCC, Works Ministry over Idanre-Owena road project

A concerned resident of Idanre Local Government Area of Ondo State, Mr. Olabanji Olusesan, has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Federal Ministry of Works over the alleged non-execution of the Idanre-Owena road rehabilitation project, despite its continued classification as an ongoing project in the federal budget.

In separate petitions dated July 9, 2026, and copied to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Senate Committee on Works, and the House of Representatives Committee on Works, Olusesan called for an investigation into the implementation of the project and the utilisation of funds allegedly allocated to it.

According to the petitioner, the 16.6km Idanre-Owena Road rehabilitation and reconstruction project, identified as Contract No. 8077, was awarded on January 27, 2023, but alleged that no contractor had been mobilised to the site since the contract was awarded and that there had been no visible construction activity on the road.

He further alleged that despite the apparent lack of work on the project, it continues to be listed in successive federal budgets as an ongoing project, raising concerns over transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.

The petitioner stated that the situation had fuelled fears of possible mismanagement and diversion of funds meant for the project, noting that residents of the community had yet to derive any benefit from the contract.

According to him: “Despite the award, no contractor has been seen on site from the date of award till now. There has been no visible commencement of work, no equipment mobilisation and no construction activity whatsoever.”

He added that the continued classification of the road project as ongoing could pave the way for additional public funds to be released without any corresponding execution on the ground.

Olusesan also lamented the poor state of the Idanre-Owena Road, saying it had continued to inflict hardship on residents, increase transportation costs, hinder economic activities, and pose safety risks to motorists and other road users.

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He urged the EFCC to investigate the implementation status of the project, ascertain whether funds had been released, identify the contractor handling the project, determine the amounts approved and disbursed, and review available project implementation reports.

The petitioner also called on the anti-graft agency to prosecute any individual or contractor found culpable of financial misconduct or misrepresentation after its investigation.

Similarly, he urged the Federal Ministry of Works to independently verify the implementation status of the project, suspend any further payments pending the outcome of such verification, publicly disclose details of the contract and funds released, and ensure the immediate commencement or proper execution of the road project.

Olusesan said the petitions were submitted in the interest of transparency, accountability, and the development of Idanre community, expressing confidence that the relevant authorities would investigate the matter and take appropriate action where necessary.