Umahi Withdraws ₦2.8 Billion Palliative Certificate, Suspends Ibadan-Ife-Ilesa Expressway Work
Umahi Orders Review of Ibadan-Ife-Ilesa Road Project After Inspection Tour
Minister of Works Dave Umahi has directed the temporary suspension of reconstruction work on the Ibadan-Ife-Ilesa Expressway and ordered the withdrawal of a ₦2.8 billion palliative certificate previously issued for the project. The decision followed an inspection of the Osun section of the highway, where the minister raised concerns about project execution and the quality of work carried out on the corridor.
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Umahi instructed the contractor, CBC Global Civil and Building Construction Nigeria Limited, to halt ongoing activities and review pavement mixture specifications before resuming construction. He also directed the federal works controller overseeing the project to withdraw the ₦2.8 billion certificate within 24 hours, stating that he had not observed evidence of the palliative work for which approval had been granted.
Minister Raises Concerns Over Project Standards
During the inspection, Umahi ordered the contractor to study pavement specifications used on another project and apply lessons before continuing work on the expressway. He also instructed the company to slow work on the carriageway and immediately deploy separate teams to complete the inner and outer shoulders, which he described as critical components of the project.
The minister stressed that public infrastructure projects must meet approved engineering standards and warned that officials responsible for inadequate supervision could face disciplinary measures. He indicated that project performance would remain the key criterion for future engagements between contractors and the ministry.
₦2.8 Billion Palliative Certificate Withdrawn
A major outcome of the inspection was the minister's decision to reverse the issuance of a ₦2.8 billion palliative certificate linked to the project. Umahi questioned the basis for the approval, stating that he had not seen evidence of the work that justified the payment certification. He subsequently ordered the responsible officials to withdraw the certificate and ensure that the agreed palliative works were properly executed.
The minister further directed the contractor to repair failed and cracked sections of the road and ensure that potholes were eliminated in accordance with the project agreement.
Focus on Quality Control and Accountability
Umahi used the inspection to reinforce the government's emphasis on accountability and quality assurance in infrastructure delivery. He warned that controllers of works who fail to adequately supervise projects could be removed from their positions and subjected to further professional evaluation before reassignment.
He also directed the removal of heavy-duty trucks parked on newly constructed concrete sections of the road, noting that prolonged parking could weaken the pavement structure and compromise the lifespan of the infrastructure.
Strategic Importance of the Corridor
The Ibadan-Ife-Ilesa Expressway is a critical transportation corridor linking Oyo and Osun states while facilitating the movement of people and goods across parts of southwestern Nigeria. The route serves residential communities, industrial centres and commercial hubs, making its rehabilitation important for economic activity and regional connectivity.
Infrastructure experts note that improved road networks support property development, lower transportation costs and enhance access to housing and commercial investments. Delays in major road projects can therefore have implications for regional economic growth and urban expansion.
Implications for Housing and Real Estate
The expressway reconstruction forms part of broader efforts to improve infrastructure that supports housing development and investment across the Southwest. Better road connectivity can increase land values, improve access to emerging residential districts and attract private sector investment into housing and commercial developments.
However, the suspension highlights the growing focus on ensuring that infrastructure projects deliver long-term value through proper execution rather than rapid completion. For developers and investors, project quality remains essential to maximising the economic benefits of major transport infrastructure.
Outlook
While the suspension is expected to temporarily slow progress on the project, officials maintain that the review is intended to ensure compliance with engineering standards and improve overall project outcomes. The contractor is expected to address the concerns raised during the inspection before full construction activities resume.
The development underscores the Federal Government's increasing emphasis on project monitoring, accountability and quality assurance as it continues to implement large-scale infrastructure programmes across the country.
Conclusion
The temporary suspension of work on the Ibadan-Ife-Ilesa Expressway and the withdrawal of a ₦2.8 billion palliative certificate reflect the Federal Ministry of Works' focus on strengthening oversight of critical infrastructure projects. As the government pushes ahead with road rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts nationwide, quality control and accountability are expected to remain central to project delivery and long-term infrastructure performance.
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