Ekiti Insists on Local Content in Public Projects, Warns Contractors on Compliance.

Ekiti Insists on Local Content in Public Projects, Warns Contractors on Compliance.

The Ekiti State Government has declared that ongoing public projects in the state capital must translate directly into jobs and business opportunities for local artisans, vendors, and small businesses.

Director-General of the State Bureau of Local Content, Hon. Olalekan Ijidale, who announced this when he led an enforcement and monitoring exercise on Monday, said the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji would not tolerate contractors sidelining Ekiti people in the execution of government contracts.

“Our mandate is simple: every public project must deliver real socio-economic benefits to our people. Contractors must engage local artisans, hire local labour, and source materials from within the state wherever possible. This is not negotiable,” Ijidale warned.

During the inspection, the Bureau engaged Rutnael Projects Limited, the contractor handling the remodelling of the historic Adekunle Fajuyi Memorial Park, where the project manager, Arch. Akinola Olayinka, assured officials that Ekiti workers would be fully involved and that materials would be sourced locally. 

“We are committed to compliance. Ekiti people will be engaged and we will document all local procurement as the work progresses,” he pledged.

The monitoring team also visited five other major projects, including the proposed Government House Chalet handled by Solarboard Construction Company, the new Senators’ Lodge within the Government House premises by Aloreck Construction Company Limited. 

Other places were the rehabilitation of Ado–Ijan–Iluomoba–Imesi Road (Phase I) by Dipcrest Construction Company Limited, the rehabilitation of Okemesi–Ido Ile–Ita Ido Ekiti Road by Banky Construction Company and the construction of Ekiti State Indoor Sports Hall by Aron Nigeria Limited.

Hon. Ijidale emphasised that the Bureau will not rely on verbal promises but on verifiable evidence, stressing the need for contractors to submit updated implementation schedules, payrolls of local artisans, procurement records and sub-contracting plans within two weeks. 

He added that spot checks, documentation reviews, and engagement with artisan associations would be used to track compliance.

“The aim is to create jobs, strengthen local supply chains, and grow the capacity of our artisans and small businesses. Any contractor that fails to meet these requirements risks sanctions,” he warned.

According to him, the state’s broader vision is to ensure that public investments leave lasting economic value for Ekiti residents beyond roads, buildings and monuments. 

“Projects must not only be delivered on time and to specification, but they must also deliver tangible benefits to the people of Ekiti. That is the standard we will enforce,” he submitted.