Drivers lament slow work on Kabba–Omuo–Ekiti road project

Drivers navigating the Kabba–Omuo–Ekiti road, a vital economic link between Kogi and Ekiti states, are expressing significant frustration over the slow pace of construction. The ongoing work has led to persistent gridlock, costly vehicle damage, and a considerable loss of productive time for commuters and businesses.

Many motorists shared their concerns with the News Agency of Nigeria in Ado-Ekiti, reporting a sharp decline in passenger patronage. To avoid the extensive delays, a growing number of commuters are opting for alternative routes. The drivers and transport union leaders are appealing to the Federal Government to intervene and pressure the contractor to accelerate the project.

"The road has become a death trap and an avenue for criminals to operate freely," stated Chief Omotayo Falope, Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Ekiti State Branch. He emphasized the road's critical importance not only for "human survival" but also for the state's prosperity, given its role as a federal highway connecting states. Falope also acknowledged ongoing government work on the Akure–Ikere–Ado-Ekiti and Ifaki–Omuo roads, which he described as commendable.

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The road has become a death trap and an avenue for criminals to operate freely. Because it is a federal road and a linkage between states, it is very critical, not only for human survival, but also for the state’s prosperity.

Mr. Kehinde Afolabi, Chairman of the National Association of Cooperative Transporters, Ekiti Chapter, highlighted the historical difficulties associated with the Akure–Ikere–Ado-Ekiti road before its recent improvements. He noted the challenges faced by businesspeople traveling to Akure Airport and farmers transporting produce. While work has commenced on the Kabba–Omuo–Ekiti road from the Ifaki–Omuo section, Afolabi sees it as a positive development for transport stakeholders.

Sunday Adeola, the Ekiti State Chairman of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), agreed that the construction of the Kabba–Omuo–Ekiti road was long overdue due to its significance for commercial and trading activities. One commercial driver, identified only as Adedeji from Ado-Ekiti, recounted a harrowing experience of narrowly escaping an armed robbery ambush on the road, underscoring the security risks associated with its current state.

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Our appeal is for government to expedite action on its completion. Aside the Kabba–Omuo–Ekiti road, we are grateful to the government for the major work on Akure–Ikere–Ado-Ekiti and the Ifaki–Omuo road, which has been fixed to a commendable extent.