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Makinde okays additional scope of work on Iseyin-Fashola-Oyo road project for N1.5bn
The Seyi Makinde-led Oyo state government has approved an additional scope of work on the 34.85 kilometres Iseyin-Fashola-Oyo road project.
The additional scope of work, according to the Commissioner for Public Works and Infrastructure, Prof. Dahud Sangodoyin, includes extra width, stone base and thickness of 12.5 mm in line with the Federal Government road specifications.
The Commissioner, who stated this, while addressing the press shortly after a meeting of the state’s Executive Council, explained that the additional scope of work would cost N1.5 billion, summing up the entire project cost to N9.9 billion.
A statement by Mr. Taiwo Adisa, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde, indicated that the commissioner stated that the project was initially approved last July and had since received a positive nod from the Federal Government.
He stressed that the road would not only connect the Fashola Agribusiness Industrial Hub, but that it would also equally create ease of doing business and positively impact the state economy.
He said: “Today, at the Executive Council meeting of Oyo State, we approved additional scope of work for the Iseyin-Fasola-Oyo road.
“You will recall that at the 12th Executive Council meeting, we actually awarded the entire scope of work which is 34.85km based on state specifications. But in a meeting with the Federal Government, the Minister of Works and Housing, said that the state is to conform with the Federal Government specification, so we now have to do some adjustments and it implies some cost.
“What we did is to increase the width of the road which was 10.5m, to 12.75m, which is the Federal Government specification. Also, some other items like stone base and the binder’s cost and some other things that we have to put in place to make it conform with the Federal Government specifications have been added.
“The additional scope to the job is about N1.5 billion and it is added to the initial cost of the project that was awarded in July, which is N8.4 billion; and so, now, the total cost of the entire road is N9.9 billion.
“The road is to be completed within a period of 12 months and it will be funded through the Alternative Project Funding Approach ( APFA).
“The implication is that after a while that the project must have been achieved, the government continues to pay on a monthly basis for 17 months.”
The commissioner maintained that the road is strategic to the economy of the state, as it is connected to the Fashola Agribusiness Industrial Hub being put together by the state government, saying that the state’s focus is on facilitating ease of movement of agricultural produce and adding value to agribusiness so that the economy of the state can be stimulated.
Similarly, the Commissioner for Energy and Solid Minerals, Barrister Seun Ashamu, disclosed that the Executive Council has granted approval for the overhauling of electrical infrastructure at the state secretariat, Government House and other adjourning state government facilities.
The commissioner, who explained that there would be about 14 kilometres underground cable laying, change of some transformers and other technical works, added that most of the electrical facilities have spanned over 30 years.
He noted that the project was estimated to cost N710 million and that it would be executed within six months.
“In essence, what we are going to be doing is that we will have about 14 kilometres of cabling; armored and unarmored, which is going to be underground and we will replace all of the transformers as well.
“This will actually bring a new face to the state government and its infrastructure and will also importantly key into the vision that His Excellency has for the state to have an independent power project; and this will enable us to derive maximum benefit from such a project.
“The timeline within which the project is expected to be delivered is in the next 6 months, definitely before mid-2022 and the total cost is set at N710 million. Like I said, it would complement the IPP,” Ashamu said.
The Kano State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust.
The notice was presented yesterday during plenary by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, who said the action follows Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Dala said the allegations stem from Abdussalam’s tenure as Commissioner for Local Government (2023–2024) and his current role as deputy governor. He accused the deputy governor of diverting funds meant for the 44 local government councils.
According to the majority leader, Abdussalam allegedly received N1.5 million monthly from each council between June 2023 and January 2024, totaling N462 million. Between February and July 2024, he allegedly collected N3.255 million monthly from each council under the guise of special assignments, amounting to N726 million.
Dala also accused the deputy governor of abuse of office, claiming he facilitated payments of N10 million from each council to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited, totaling N440 million, in violation of state procurement laws.
“The misuse of official capacity to confer undue advantage constitutes abuse of power and undermines public trust,” Dala told lawmakers, adding that the allegations amount to gross misconduct under the Constitution.
The impeachment notice was reportedly endorsed by 38 lawmakers, meeting the constitutional threshold to proceed. The Speaker has acknowledged receipt, and the House is expected to serve the allegations on the deputy governor.
If approved, a panel may be constituted by the state Chief Judge to investigate the claims.
As of filing, Abdussalam had yet to respond publicly to the allegations.
The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, on Wednesday inaugurated a seven-member committee on the establishment of state police, giving it four weeks to submit its report.
The inauguration was held during his maiden conference with senior police officers at the Peacekeeping Conference Centre, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
Charging members of the panel to discharge their duties with professionalism and objectivity, Disu described the assignment as “both significant and timely,” noting that it would shape the framework through which state policing may operate in Nigeria.
“In carrying out this assignment, your deliberations must be guided by professionalism, objectivity, and a clear appreciation of the unique complexities of policing a diverse nation such as our own,” the IGP said.
He stated that if properly designed and effectively implemented, state policing holds significant potential benefits for the country.
“By bringing law enforcement closer to communities, state police institutions can deepen local knowledge of security dynamics and enable quicker and more targeted responses to emerging threats,” he added.
The committee is expected to review existing policing models within and outside Nigeria, assess community security needs and emerging risks, and propose an operational framework for the establishment and coordination of state police structures.
It will also address issues relating to recruitment, training, standards and resource allocation, as well as develop accountability and oversight mechanisms to ensure professionalism and public trust.
The panel is chaired by Olu Ogunsakin, with Bode Ojajuni as secretary. Other members are Emmanuel Ojukwu, Okebechi Agora, Suleyman Gulma, Ikechukwu Okafor and Tolulope Ipinmisho.
Disu said the committee had about four weeks to conclude its assignment and submit a comprehensive report.
The move marks one of the first major steps taken by the new police chief since his appointment and confirmation a few days ago.
The development comes amid rising security concerns across the country, with several stakeholders advocating state policing as part of measures to tackle insecurity.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier asked the National Assembly to commence the process of amending relevant laws to pave the way for the creation of state police.
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday swore in Olatunji Disu as the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
Disu took the oath of office at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, shortly before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
The President also administered the oath of office to six commissioners of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and two commissioners of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC).
The ceremonies were witnessed by ministers, senior government officials and family members of the appointees.
The council meeting began shortly after the swearing-in.
In attendance were Vice President Kashim Shettima; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs EsthMrs.Walson-Jack.
Disu was appointed acting IGP on February 25, 2026, by President Tinubu, following the resignation of former IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
His appointment was subsequently endorsed by the Nigeria Police Council (NPC).
The former Assistant Inspector-General of Police assumed office last Wednesday.
He previously served as Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos, after his promotion to the rank last year.
A former head of the Lagos Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Disu has pledged to deliver accountable, modern and professional policing.
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