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N9.9bn: How we arrived at new cost of Moniya-Ijaiye-Iseyin road – Oyo govt explains
The Government of Oyo State on Wednesday clarified how it arrived at the new cost of the all-important Moniya-Ijaiye-Iseyin road, which links the food basket of the state, Oke-Ogun.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, quoted the State’s Commissioner for Infrastructure, Works and Transport, Prof Raphael Afonja, as stating that the new contract was a clear departure from the rehabilitation contract given out at the cost of N7 billion by the administration of the immediate past Governor Abiola Ajimobi.
The statement indicated that the total reconstruction of the 65-kilometre Moniya-Ijaiye-Iseyin Road was arrived at taking into consideration the extensive reviews of the components and the desire to construct a road that would withstand the test of the huge traffic on the road.
Afonja said that the cost of the new road, which is expected to be completed in 12 to 14 months, stands at N9.9 billion.
He stated that the road belongs to Oyo State and that it links the state capital with the food basket of the state, which also serves as the solid mineral belt of the state.
“The contract to be executed by KOPEK Construction Company should be of high quality, being the road linking the food basket of the state,” the statement read.
He added that some of the components of the road reviewed by the state executive council and which informed the increment in cost include the design of the project, price fluctuation, asphaltic wearing cost and adequate drainage system.
The statement quoted the Commissioner as saying: “Let me say this quickly, Moniya-Iseyin road is not a federal road but a state road. Oyo-Iseyin is the federal road. In terms of the amount, it is actually N9,929,702,66, which is approximately N9.9bn. The question that may arise is the initial award that was approximately N7bn.
“However, we have reviewed the design to make sure that the road that will be constructed for this important food basket of the state has high quality.
“We have made some changes including the design. We increased the stone base core from 150mm to about 200mm. We also changed the asphaltic wearing cost from 40mm to 50mm. We also realised there was an inadequate provision for drainage system along that road in the initial design but we have changed that to provide adequate drainage system.
“Also, we considered the fluctuation basically in terms of pricing of materials, bitumen for example. That was also factored into the new pricing. Another thing is, the road will last for, at least, minimum of 10 years.”
The statement further indicated that the immediate past government of Senator Abiola Ajimobi had, in February 2018, awarded the contract for the rehabilitation of the road at the cost of N7 billion, out of which N2 billion was paid to the Contractor who could not deliver on the terms.
The contract has since been revoked by the state government which has asked the contractor to refund the bogus payment.
Engr Gbenga Komolafe, Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), has disclosed that the nation’s oil and gas reserves have risen to 37.50 billion barrels as of January 1, 2024.
This marks an increase from the 37.046 billion barrels recorded in May 2022.
Komolafe emphasised the implementation of robust policies aimed at enhancing and optimising oil and gas operations across the country.
Notably, gas reserves stand at 102.59 trillion cubic feet (TCF), with non-associated gas reserves reaching 106.67 TCF, culminating in a total of 209.26 TCF of gas reserves.
Addressing concerns during a press conference held in Abuja on Monday regarding crude supply regulation and enforcement, Komolafe underscored the importance of prioritising feedstock supply to local refineries while addressing grievances from oil producers and the Dangote Refinery within specified timelines.
This announcement follows recent reports of a decline in Nigeria’s crude oil production during February and March 2024.
According to data from the April 2024 Monthly Oil Market Report of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Nigeria’s crude oil production (excluding condensates) experienced its second consecutive monthly decrease, dropping to 1.231 million barrels per day in March from 1.322 million barrels per day in February.
OPEC attributed this decline, amounting to a reduction of 91,000 barrels per day, to factors communicated directly from Nigeria.
The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Engr. Aderemi Oseni has commiserated with the senator representing Oyo North Senatorial District, Senator Abdulfatai Buhari over the loss of his mother, Alhaja Buhari.
The matriarch, who passed away on Monday, April 8, has left a void in the family that Oseni described as irreparable.
In a condolence message released on Wednesday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, in Ibadan, and made available to newsmen, the lawmaker expressed his deep sympathy, praying for Alhaja Buhari to find eternal rest in the arms of God.
Oseni, who also represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency, urged Senator Buhari and his family to find solace in the legacy of achievements left behind by their late matriarch.
He emphasised the importance of cherishing the memories of her life and the successes attained by her children.
The statement read, “Distinguished Senator Buhari, I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Mama, Alhaja Buhari. Please accept my heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathy during this difficult time.
“Alhaja was a pillar of strength and a source of love and guidance for your family and community. Her legacy of kindness, wisdom, and resilience will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
“May you and your family find comfort and solace in the cherished memories you shared with her, and may the love and support of friends and well-wishers provide you with strength and courage in the days ahead.
“Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you navigate through this time of grief”, Oseni continued.
As Muslims globally observe Eid-el-Fitr, signifying the conclusion of the Ramadan fast, the lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency of Oyo State and Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Engr. Aderemi Oseni has called upon Nigerians to prioritise nation-building efforts during this festive period.
Oseni, in a statement on Tuesday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, emphasised the importance of collective action and unity in advancing the nation’s development agenda.
He highlighted the significance of Eid-el-Fitr as a time for reflection, gratitude, and community solidarity.
“As we celebrate Eid-el-Fitr, let us not forget the critical task of nation-building that lies before us. Nigeria’s progress depends on our ability to work together, transcend divisions, and build a cohesive society,” the lawmaker stated.
The APC chieftain urged Nigerians to set aside differences and focus on common goals that promote peace, unity, and socio-economic prosperity.
Emphasising the need for inclusivity, Oseni encouraged citizens to actively participate in initiatives aimed at fostering national cohesion and development.
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