Michael Ale, a development expert and Chief Executive Officer of Global Development Initiatives (GDI), has appealed to the Federal Government to urgently address the Ado-Ifaki-Abuja federal road corridor in Ekiti State, particularly sections passing through the Ayegbaju Oye and Ilupeju communities.
Ale said the road is an important link between the western part of the country and the Federal Capital Territory, noting that its strategic importance to commerce, transport and regional development makes its rehabilitation worthy of urgent consideration.
In a statement made available to journalists in Lagos on Thursday, Ale said improved road infrastructure would facilitate the movement of people and goods while supporting economic activities along the corridor.
According to him, some sections of the road have deteriorated, resulting in occasional traffic challenges and delays for motorists and other road users.
He recalled a recent gridlock along the Oye-Ilupeju section of the road after erosion created large potholes, leaving some vehicles stranded for extended periods and forcing other motorists to seek alternative routes.
Ale also noted another traffic challenge on Wednesday, September 9, when a truck reportedly fell across the road, causing hours of gridlock.
He said the situation was particularly significant because the corridor serves the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, with students, staff, residents and other road users relying on the route daily.
The development expert further expressed concern over reports of accidents along some portions of the road, urging relevant authorities to consider appropriate measures to improve safety and ease movement along the corridor.
Ale appealed to President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Works to consider rehabilitating the affected sections as part of ongoing efforts to improve road infrastructure across the country.
He said, ‘A very good road network is needed for viable commercial and development activities to thrive. The road network we are talking about here links the western parts of the country to the Federal Capital Territory and provides an important route for commercial vehicles and trucks conveying goods.
‘It is a very important road axis that deserves adequate attention, and we believe that improving the condition of the road will further enhance its economic viability and potential.
‘This is why, as a development expert, we are appealing to the Federal Government to give urgent consideration to the condition of this road and explore ways of rehabilitating the affected sections.’
Ale commended the Federal Government for ongoing road projects across the country, particularly the Ibadan-Ado-Akure axis and the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
He said the projects would contribute significantly to economic growth, improved connectivity and national development.
‘The President and his team at the Works Ministry have been doing a great job on the Ibadan-Ado-Akure axis, and Nigerians appreciate the efforts being made in this direction. The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road is also a major project with the potential to significantly impact our economy and accelerate development.
‘We therefore appeal for similar attention to be given to important federal road corridors in Ekiti State, particularly the Ado-Ifaki and Ilupeju axis, in the interests of motorists, communities, businesses, students and other road users.
‘We believe that timely intervention will go a long way towards improving transport and supporting economic activities in the area. May God bless Nigeria.’