Ogun Govt Defends Technical Standards on Senator Daniel’s 260m Road Project

Sagamu, Ogun State – The Ogun State Government has dismissed as baseless claims that Governor Dapo Abiodun is imposing unusually strict standards on the Paddy Arikawe Oye-Igbimo Road, a 260-metre constituency project by Senator Gbenga Daniel of Ogun East.

In a statement released on Wednesday by Hon. Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Strategy, the government clarified that the requirements demanded of the contractor, Minim and Tonye Nigeria Limited, align with standard specifications applied to all state road projects to safeguard public safety and durability.

The statement described as fabricated a media report from Senator Daniel’s team alleging that President Bola Tinubu is directly involved in the project. Ogun State officials emphasized that no federal construction of this exact road exists under the President’s purview, and any confusion between federal and state projects is misleading.

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The Ministry of Works discovered technical shortcomings in the contractor’s drainage and concrete pavement design after submitting initial drawings for approval. Consequently, the contractor was formally asked on September 22, 2025, to revise the designs to meet Federal Ministry of Works standards.

Ogun State insisted it follows due process, requiring federal clearance before working on federal roads within the state and demanding contractors notify the Ministry before commencing work on state roads. The contractor was not informed or approved before starting, breaching standard procedures.

The government clarified that Senator Daniel’s entire road project covers about three kilometres in phases, with only the initial 260-metre phase under current review. The Ministry of Works has already conducted preparatory palliative works on other sections.

“The insistence on a higher grade of concrete, stronger stone base layers, and reinforced tensile strength is not political but a necessary commitment to quality and public safety,” the statement read.

Rejecting accusations of interference, the government reaffirmed its dedication to transparency, accountability, and sustainable infrastructure development. It warned against politicizing technical matters and called for all project stakeholders to prioritize adherence to regulatory standards.