Funds For Repair of Ibadan-Ife-Ilesa Expressway Included In 2024 Budget - Lawmaker

The lawmaker representing Osun West Senatorial District, Lere Oyewumi, has said that the funds for the repair of the Ibadan-Ife-Ilesa dual carriageway has been included in the 2024 appropriation.

The ever busy Federal Government Trunk A road, which links Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, to border towns in Osun State, through to Ilesa, has been a major route for drivers going towards the North and other parts of the country, preferring to pass through Ondo State.

The state of neglect and deploration of the road over the years has been a major source of worry for commuters and drivers plying the road due to incessant crashes resulting in loss of lives and damages to vehicles.

Speaking through his media assistant, Timileyin Popoola, the Deputy Minority Leader of the upper chamber, in a recent chat with The PUNCH, disclosed that works will commence on the project upon the release of funds.

Oyewumi further said, “The fund for the repair of the road was captured in the budget as ‘Emergency/palliative repairs of Ibadan-Ife-Ilesa dual carriageway in Oyo and Osun states.’

“That is how it’s being stated there. The road is 224km from Iwo Road (Ibadan) to the Brewery Area in Ilesa. KOPEC Construction Company is the contractor in charge of the project. The repair work has been done on the Asejire Bridge up to the Irewole Local Government secretariat in Ikire.

“People should be patient, once more funds are released to the contractor, work will resume on the road. It is a project that is so dear to us and we will ensure it is done to stop the current hardship people are undergoing.”, he added

Recall President Tinubu had on Monday, 1st of January this Year signed the 2024 appropriation bill of N28.7 trillion into law.

The budget presented defence and internal security, job creation, macroeconomic stability, improved investment environment, human capital development, poverty reduction, and social security as areas of top priorities.