The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has expressed his displeasure and frustration over the deplorable conditions of federal roads in the state, saying that all efforts made in the past were rebuffed and asked for urgent steps to ameliorate the sufferings of residents.

Abiodun expressed his feelings when the Minister of Works, David Umahi paid a working visit to the state to inspect the Federal Government’s road infrastructure with a view to improve their conditions for a new lease of life and socioeconomic development.

While promising a new beginning in critical infrastructure development in the country, the minister proposed a joint reconstruction of the Abeokuta/Sango Tollgate Road to ease the burden on road users.

L-R: Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State and Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, chat during the minister’s visit to the state on Thursday, August 31, 2023. (Photo: Facebook/Prince Dr. Dapo Abiodun – MFR)

The visit was Umahi’s first to the state since assuming office.

He led senior officers of the ministry to the governor’s office to receive firsthand information on the conditions of federal roads in the state.

Addressing the minister and his team, Abiodun briefed his guest about the challenges and the frustration of residents over the deplorable conditions of federal roads across the state.

He said recent attempts by the state government to have some of the roads reconstructed were denied by the Federal Government, despite the negative effects of the bad road infrastructure on the socioeconomic well-being of residents.

L-R: Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, and Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State pose for a photo during the minister’s visit to the state on Thursday, August 31, 2023. (Photo: Facebook/Prince Dr. Dapo Abiodun – MFR)

The minister, reacting to the governor’s plea for immediate action, promised a review of most of the contracts on federal roads in the state to allow for public-private participation.

He also promised joint reconstruction of the Abeokuta/Sango Tollgate Expressway by the Federal Government and Ogun State which has been in a bad state for many years, in line with the Federal Government policy in the Highways Development and Management Initiative.

As part of his schedule in the state, the minister inspected the ongoing rehabilitation and reconstruction of the 42 km Abeokuta/Ajebo Road in Ogun and Section 2 of the Lagos/Ibadan Expressway.