The Ekiti State Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) has awarded contracts worth ₦17.2 billion to seven contractors for the rehabilitation of 13 rural roads, as part of the move to enhance the state’s agricultural infrastructure and solidify its position as the food basket of the South West.
The awarded roads, divided into seven lots, include Enu Odi-Igirigiri Road, Omisanjana-Ben Folarin-Oke Aso Road, Ise-Imola Road, Owode-Anaye Road, Afolu-Odofin Road, Oye-Are Road, Ilupeju-Igbo Egan Road, Iye-Isapa-Olopemeji-Ikun Road, Erinmope-Irare-Ikosu Road, Igbole-Egan-Osi-Iropora Road, FMS Farm-Oke Ako Road, Ikogosi-Aba-Ori Okuta-Ikogosi Road, and Ara-Ekameta School Road.
The successful contractors are Dominant Engineering (Lot 1), Hallekem Limited (Lot 2), Millenium Technical Nigeria Limited (Lot 3), Tundis Nigeria Limited (Lot 4), Jadfem Nigeria Limited (Lot 5), HMF Construction Limited (Lot 6), and Heriprom Engineering Limited.
During the contract signing ceremony held at the Governor’s office conference hall in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday, State Project Coordinator Mr. Sunday Adunmo described the initiative as a significant milestone, with the projects expected to be completed within 18 months. Adunmo who urged the contractors to ensure high-quality work, noted that substandard performance would not be tolerated and could result in contract termination.
The RAAMP coordinator who also stressed the importance of local employment, instructed the contractors to hire local workers to boost rural livelihoods as contained in the local content policy and laws of the state. “This event marks the culmination of a transparent process that began earlier this year with advertisements for bids in national dailies. Out of 93 bids received, seven were selected based on merit,” he said.
Commending Governor Biodun Oyebanji for the support and consistent provision of counterpart funding, Adunmo noted the Governor’s frequent visits to the World Bank’s Nigeria office to expedite the project.
The State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade, who reiterated the government’s commitment to transforming the agricultural sector, outlined various initiatives aimed at ensuring that farmers receive fair value for their labor, thereby promoting food security in the state.
Other officials, including Secretary to the State Government Dr. Habibat Adubiaro, Head of Service Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, and Commissioner for Transportation Mr. Kolawole Ajobiewe, urged the contractors to adhere to the project timelines and quality standards.
Specifically, the State Commissioner for Information Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun highlighted Governor Oyebanji’s extensive investment in state development, noting that these new rural road projects complement over 25 state roads already undertaken by the current administration.
Olatunbosun emphasized the Governor’s commitment to making Ekiti State the agricultural hub of the Southwest, evidenced by recent multibillion-naira agreements with agricultural investors.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Independent Project Monitoring, Hon. Femi Ajayi, assured regular site visits to ensure adherence to project schedules and quality.
Responding on behalf of the contractors, the Managing Director of Tundis Nigeria Limited, Mr. Tunde Fagboyo, pledged to deliver top-notch work, ensuring the state government gets value for money.
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