By joshua 
Governor Ododo’s Strategic Engagement Yields More Federal Road Approvals for Kogi as Special Adviser Decries Deplorable State of on Itobe–Ajaokuta–Okene Federal Highway
The Special Adviser to the Governor of Kogi State on Federal Projects Implementation has commended the sustained and strategic engagement of His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the Federal Ministry of Works, describing it as a major factor behind the continued approval of critical federal road infrastructure projects across Kogi State.
The Special Adviser noted with joy the recent approval by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the rehabilitation of Sections I and II of the Ilorin–Omu Aran–Egbe–Kabba–Obajana Road at a cost of ₦104 billion, as well as the Kabba–Ifaki–Ado Ekiti Road valued at ₦24.7 billion.
According to him, these newly approved projects complement the extensive State road intervention projects already ongoing across Kogi State under Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo FCA and reaffirm the confidence of the Federal Government in the developmental vision and collaborative leadership of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.
Following an official inspection of the Itobe–Ajaokuta–Okene Federal Highway on Tuesday, 30 June 2026, the Special Adviser expressed serious concern over the alarming deterioration of the road corridor, describing it as one of the most distressed sections of the federal highway network in North Central Nigeria.
The inspection revealed widespread pavement failures, deep potholes, incomplete earthworks and drainage structures and abandoned construction sections. He observed that several portions of the carriageway have deteriorated to such an extent that they now constitute serious safety hazards, slowing traffic movement, increasing travel time, escalating vehicle operating costs, and exposing commuters to avoidable risks, particularly during the rainy season. According to him, the inspection identified well over 50 severely failed and deplorable parts along the dual carriageway. In more than four critical locations, erosion and flooding have washed away substantial portions of the roadway, leaving sections of the highway virtually impassable and forcing motorists to navigate dangerous diversions from one carriageway to the other. He further noted that a journey from Itobe to Okene, which ordinarily should take about one hour, now takes well over three hours under extremely difficult and excruciating driving conditions due to the extensive deterioration of the road.
The Special Adviser further observed that the Itobe–Ajaokuta–Okene Federal Highway remains one of Nigeria’s most strategic transportation corridors, serving as the principal gateway linking the Federal Capital Territory and Northern Nigeria with the South-East, South-South, and parts of the South-West. The corridor provides critical access to the Ajaokuta Steel Complex, the Ajaokuta Special Economic Zone (Free Trade Zone), and numerous industrial, mining, commercial, and agricultural communities. He noted that the highway is indispensable to the movement of people, goods, raw materials, finished products, and investment, making its rehabilitation essential to the success of the Federal Government’s industrialisation, economic diversification, and regional integration agenda.
The Special Adviser recalled that following the revocation of the earlier contract, the project was re-awarded in 2022 as the Okene–Ajaokuta–Itobe Dual Carriageway with an expected completion period of 2024. However, owing to unsatisfactory performance, the contract was terminated by the Federal Ministry of Works in November 2025. He further recalled that, following the termination, the Federal Ministry of Works assured the Government and people of Kogi State that the project would be re-procured to facilitate the engagement of a new contractor and the prompt resumption of construction works. He expressed confidence that the Ministry would still fulfil this commitment in view of the strategic national importance of the corridor.
In view of these findings, the Special Adviser expressed great optimism that the continued engagement and advocacy of His Excellency Alh Ahmed Usman Ododo FCA with the Federal Government will lead to according the Itobe–Ajaokuta–Okene Federal Highway the highest priority it deserves by making the Federal Ministry of Works to expediting the re-procurement process, appointing a competent contractor, providing adequate funding for the immediate recommencement of construction, and undertaking emergency palliative repairs on the worst failed sections before rainy season fully sets in, pending full-scale reconstruction.
The Special Adviser expressed confidence that, through the sustained commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the dedication of the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, and the continuous engagement of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Itobe–Ajaokuta–Okene Federal Highway will receive the urgent intervention it deserves in the interest of Kogi State and the nation at large.
He reaffirmed his commitment to sustained monitoring of all Federal Government projects within Kogi State and to ensuring the timely and quality delivery of infrastructure projects that will enhance economic development, improve national connectivity, and promote the welfare of Nigerians.
30 June 2026