By joshua Kogi Govt. Sets Record Straight, Says 38km Kabba-Iluke-Bunu Road Is State-Funded, Not World Bank Project
The Kogi State Government has declared that the planned construction and rehabilitation of the 38-kilometre Kabba–Iluke–Bunu Road is a project conceived, approved and funded entirely by the state government under Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, and not a World Bank intervention as being speculated in some quarters.
The clarification was made on Monday by the Kogi State Commissioner for Education, Hon. Wemi Jones, during a press conference in Lokoja on behalf of the people of Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area.
Hon. Jones said the briefing became necessary to correct what he described as deliberate misrepresentation surrounding the project. He noted that following years of public outcry over the deplorable state of the Kabba–Iluke–Bunu corridor, the state government directed a comprehensive survey and engineering design of the entire 38km stretch about 12 months ago. According to him, the technical assessment revealed that mere rehabilitation would not address the failed portions, hence the professional recommendation for total construction to bring lasting relief to residents and motorists.
He explained that on Friday, September 6, 2026, the Ministry of Works published an advertisement in national dailies inviting eligible contractors to bid for the construction and rehabilitation of roads under an Open Competitive Bidding process. The roads listed include the Idah–Onyedega Road in Ibaji LGA, the Odonyi–Oguma–Sheria Road in Bassa LGA, and the Kabba–Iluke–Bunu Road in Kabba/Bunu LGA. He stressed that the procurement for the Kabba–Iluke–Bunu Road is being financed solely by the Kogi State Government.
Addressing claims linking the project to the World Bank or to an individual outside the state, the commissioner said World Bank projects do not involve individuals and are processed between the Federal Government and the Bank, usually through grants or loans with counterpart funding by the beneficiary state. He cited the ongoing AGILE Project in Kogi State as an example, noting that its advertisement clearly stated that the Federal Republic of Nigeria had received financing from the World Bank for the construction of 28 secondary schools in the state. He added that by contrast, the Kabba–Iluke–Bunu Road advertisement was issued directly by the Kogi State Government through the Ministry of Works and has no World Bank involvement whatsoever.
Hon. Jones said the people of Kabba/Bunu are elated that after years of agitation their voice has been heard, and that Governor Ododo has demonstrated a sense of belonging by approving the critical road project. He urged those politicizing the intervention to commend the governor instead of twisting facts to mislead the public, and rejected any attempt to hijack credit for the life-changing project.
On behalf of Kabba/Bunu LGA, the commissioner assured Governor Ododo of the people’s continued support for his administration and political ambition beyond 2027. He said leadership is measured by impact, and with the approval of the road, the governor has shown that he listens and that he cares.
The Kabba–Iluke–Bunu Road has for years been described by residents as a nightmare for commuters due to its failed sections, and the state government’s decision to undertake full construction is expected to ease transportation and boost economic activities in the area.