Akure: The Federal Ministry of Works has assured Nigerians that the Akure-Ikere Road dualisation project will be ready for inauguration by President Bola Tinubu in December. The Federal Controller of Works in Ondo State, Olajide Hussein, provided this assurance during an interview.

According to News Agency of Nigeria, Hussein explained that the 15-km Phase 1 of the Akure-Ita Ogbolu-Iju-Ikere Road dualisation will be completed and inaugurated by the President. The Phase 1 of the road project cost N19 billion, while the Phase 2 is expected to require N23 billion.

Hussein elaborated that it is the policy of the ministry to carry out projects in phases to ensure road users have unhindered access to one lane while construction continues on the second lane. He acknowledged the efforts of the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, in ensuring the project stays on schedule.

He further clarified that Phase 1 covers a 15-km single carriageway from Akure to the Ekiti State border, with some gaps totaling 3 km. The total length of the road from Akure to Ikere, Ekiti State boundary, is 18.438 km. Although Phase 1 will not cover the entire 18-km stretch, the expectation is for the contractor to complete these 18 km by December, in time for the inauguration by President Tinubu.

Hussein highlighted the ministry's policy of constructing one lane first in a dualisation project to alleviate traffic issues before constructing the other carriageway. He also praised the quality of work by the contractor, mentioning the main challenge faced was obstructions by both temporary and permanent structures. He commended the property owners for cooperating with the state governments in removing their structures to facilitate the construction process.