Motorists using the Kabba, Omuo, Ekiti road are worried about the slow construction work on the road. They are dealing with traffic jams, vehicle damage, and loss of valuable time.
This road is important for trade, linking communities in Kogi and Ekiti States.
Drivers who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria in Ado-Ekiti on Sunday said that fewer passengers are using the road since work started. Many now choose other routes to avoid the delays.
They urged the Federal Government to make the contractor speed up work to help traffic flow better, improve lives, and support business activities in the area.
The drivers expressed their frustration over the slow work and mentioned that the global economy might be affecting how quickly the project can be finished.
Chief Omotayo Falope, the Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers in Ekiti State, said the road has been in bad shape for a long time and is damaging vehicles.
“The road has become a death trap and a place where criminals can easily operate. Because it is a federal road linking states, it is very important for people's safety and for the state's progress,” he said.
He added, “We are asking the government to speed up the work. We also thank them for fixing the Akure, Ikere, Ado-Ekiti road and the Ifaki, Omuo road, which are in much better condition now.”
Mr Kehinde Afolabi, who leads the National Association of Cooperative Transporters in Ekiti, said before President Bola Tinubu's administration, the Akure, Ikere, Ado-Ekiti road was a big problem. It caused traffic jams, damaged vehicles, and made travel times longer for passengers.
“The problems got worse as many businesspeople from Ado-Ekiti had to use this road to catch flights from Akure Airport. Farmers in Ekiti also struggled to transport their goods to Ondo State, but now the road is fixed.
“Work on the Kabba, Omuo, Ekiti road has started from the Ifaki, Omuo section, and this is good news for transporters in the state and beyond,” he said.
Sunday Adeola, the state Chairman of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) in Ekiti, said it was time to build the Kabba, Omuo, Ekiti road because of its importance for trade between the states.
Adedeji, a commercial driver based in Ado-Ekiti, shared that he narrowly escaped a robbery attack on the road.
“If not for God and my skills as a driver, my passengers and I could have been robbed during one of my trips on that dangerous road. I thank God I got away. I am also really glad that the new construction contract will help reduce vehicle repair costs and improve daily travel,” he said.
Engr. Wasiu Owolabi, the Federal Controller of Works in Ekiti State, said the Kabba, Omuo, Ekiti road is 104 kilometres long, with 63 kilometres in Ekiti starting from Omuo-Ekiti.
He explained that the road was first given to CCECC Nigeria Limited for N9.99 billion. After COVID-19, the company could not continue due to rising construction costs, leading to the contract being canceled.
In March 2026, the road was awarded to Gamji Construction Company for N25 billion to cover the full 104 kilometres into Kogi State from Ekiti.
The company has not begun full construction on the Omuo, Ekiti to Kabba section yet, as it awaits funds. But it has fixed the bad part from Ifaki, Ekiti to Omuo, Ekiti to help farmers and traders move their goods easily.
Owolabi said the contract requires Gamji to prove they can carry out the project with the right resources and equipment. They are expected to start work soon.
He added that other roads getting attention from the Federal Government include the Akure, Ikere, Ado-Ekiti road and the Ado, Iyin, Igede, Aramoko, Itawure road.
Mr Taiwo Olatunbosun, the state Commissioner for Information, called the Federal Government's work on the roads a boost for Ekiti State's economy and the South-West region.
“The Kabba, Omuo, Ekiti road connects important parts of the country. Its rebuilding will make transport easier and create more chances for trade and business. This project is about more than just roads; it is about improving lives and economic ties,” he said.
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