The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has cautioned motorists and residents in Ekiti State against practices that could damage newly rehabilitated federal roads, including indiscriminate parking of heavy-duty vehicles, petroleum product spillage, and vandalism of public infrastructure.
The Director of West Operations, Engineer Francis Isabiyi, gave the warning during an inspection of Sukuk-funded road projects across the state. The visit was part of a nationwide assessment of federal road interventions financed through the Sukuk bond initiative.
The inspection covered key project sites, including a 1.2-kilometre stretch passing through Ikunri Modern Market (Alubarika Market) in Ikunri-Ekiti, Ikole Local Government Area, and a 1.6-kilometre section linking Itawure to the Osun State boundary.
Speaking with journalists at Ikunri, Isabiyi expressed satisfaction with the quality of work executed, noting that FERMA’s targeted sectional repairs have restored severely damaged portions of the road.
He explained that the agency’s intervention strategy focuses on rehabilitating critical segments of federal roads rather than embarking on full reconstruction, adding that similar projects are ongoing across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Describing the inspected route as a major trunk corridor, Isabiyi said it connects Abuja through Ifaki, Ikole, and Omuo, with onward links to Lagos, Ilorin, and Kogi State, while also serving key institutions and communities within Ekiti.
He, however, stressed the need for public cooperation in preserving the infrastructure, lamenting that newly repaired roads are often compromised by human activities.
“Indiscriminate parking of trucks on rehabilitated sections leads to diesel and petrol spillage, which weakens the road surface. Communities must discourage such practices,” he said.
“We also face challenges of vandalism, including the removal of guardrails and theft of installed streetlights. These are public assets and should be protected.”
At the Itawure axis, the Zonal Director, Southwest , Alonge Babatunde, also rated the project satisfactory, noting that although minor issues were observed, they would be addressed promptly. He added that the project remains within its six-month completion timeline and commended the contractor for steady progress.
Babatunde urged motorists to avoid overspeeding on the improved road, noting that the rehabilitation has significantly reduced accidents and vehicle breakdowns.
He further highlighted the economic benefits of the project, stating that improved road conditions would enhance mobility, boost commercial activities, and support local businesses.
Residents and road users who spoke during the inspection expressed appreciation to the federal government for the intervention, citing improved safety, reduced travel time, and better economic prospects.
At Ikunri, commuters noted that the once deplorable road has become motorable, while others called for the extension of repairs to adjoining areas still in poor condition, particularly around Ayedun.
Similarly, at the Itawure axis, drivers and traders described the rehabilitation as a major relief, urging the government to sustain infrastructure development across the state.