The Federal Government has dismissed public concerns over the type of reinforcement materials being used in the ongoing reconstruction of the Ore–Ondo–Akure Road, assuring Nigerians that the project strictly adheres to approved engineering specifications and international design standards.
Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, gave the assurance on Thursday during an inspection visit to the project site at Ajue community in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State, where he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to delivering a durable and high-quality road.
Recent viral videos and comments had raised the alarm over the use of wire mesh on the road’s outer shoulders, with some alleging that reinforcement bars ought to have been used instead, just like on the main carriageway.
However, the Minister, who was represented by Engr. Hussein Olajide, the Federal Controller of Works in Ondo State, explained that the distinction is a standard global engineering practice dictated by the different structural and functional demands of both sections.
According to him, the main carriageway, which carries heavy and continuous traffic from trucks, trailers and articulated vehicles, is subjected to high bending and flexural stresses, hence the need for heavy reinforcement bars.
He further clarified that the A142 wire mesh used on the outer shoulders is a standard and approved material, in line with Nigerian Highway Design Standards and global practices for rigid pavement construction.
Engr. Olajide disclosed that the Ore–Ondo–Akure road spans 86.43 kilometres, with a 7.3-metre main carriageway and 2.75-metre shoulders on each side. Contrary to some public assumptions, he clarified that the project is not a dualisation effort, but rather the reconstruction of a single carriageway with improved features, including fully paved shoulders for safety and traffic management.
He added that the project, awarded in 2024 with a four-year completion period, is on schedule and may even be completed ahead of time due to the contractor’s commitment and adequate supervision by the Federal Ministry of Works.
Highlighting the government’s shift from asphalt to Continuous Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP), Olajide said the new policy ensures a longer lifespan, reduced maintenance costs, and better performance under heavy traffic conditions.
He assured Nigerians that the Ministry is enforcing strict adherence to design and quality specifications, adding that adequate supervision teams are stationed on-site to monitor progress and compliance.
Speaking on behalf of the contractor, Li Wei, Project Manager of GBC Global Civil and Building Construction Nigeria Limited, expressed satisfaction with the Ministry’s support and supervision, assuring that the project would be completed on schedule and delivered to the highest quality standards