Edo Assembly Summons Contractor and EDSOPADEC Over Substandard Road Project
The Edo State House of Assembly Committee on Project Inspection has issued a formal summons to the contractor responsible for the 1.6-kilometer internal road project in the Oza community, located within the Orhionmwon local government area. Concurrently, the Edo State Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development Commission (EDSOPADEC), the state agency overseeing the execution of this development initiative, has also been summoned to appear before the committee.
Both parties are scheduled to present themselves before the Assembly Committee on Monday, December 15, 2025. This directive stems from significant concerns and expressed displeasure regarding the quality of work observed at the project site.
Sources indicate that the invitations were prompted by the dissatisfaction of the Committee Chairman, Addeh Isibor, who has voiced strong disapproval of what he terms “shoddy jobs” being carried out by the contractor. This sentiment is reportedly shared by Mr. Phoebe Williams-Bello, the Special Adviser to Governor Monday Okpebholo on Projects Monitoring and Evaluation, who has also expressed his disappointment with the poor standard of work on the Oza community roads.
The summons follows an inspection visit by the Assembly Committee to the project site. This visit was part of the committee’s constitutional mandate to conduct oversight on government expenditure and ensure the effective utilization of public funds. During their tour, the committee members assessed the progress and quality of various government-initiated projects across the state, aiming to uphold accountability and transparency in public works.
Beyond the Oza community road project, the Assembly Committee’s oversight activities have encompassed a range of other significant infrastructure developments. These include:
- Ramat Park Flyover: An assessment of the ongoing construction or recent completion of this vital transportation link.
- Adesuwa Junction Flyover: Inspection of another key flyover project designed to alleviate traffic congestion.
- 32-Kilometer Benin-Sapele Highway: An examination of the progress and quality of work on this extensive highway rehabilitation or construction.
- Army Day Secondary School: A review of a recently completed educational facility, likely assessing its readiness and functionality.
- Internal Roads in Ogheghe Community: Inspection of road infrastructure within another community, potentially highlighting similar concerns or successes.
- 23-Kilometer Old Benin-Sapele Highway: An evaluation of the condition and potential rehabilitation efforts on an older stretch of the Benin-Sapele route.
In response to the summons, the Chairman of EDSOGPADEC, Francis Osabuohien, has stated his intention to appear before the committee. He expressed his commitment to addressing any outstanding issues and clarifying any ambiguities surrounding the project’s execution. Mr. Osabuohien indicated that he would use the opportunity to “clear grey areas” and provide the committee with a comprehensive understanding of the project’s status and challenges.
The Edo State House of Assembly’s proactive oversight demonstrates a commitment to ensuring that public funds are used efficiently and that development projects meet the required standards for the benefit of the citizens. The committee’s scrutiny of the Oza community road project underscores the importance of accountability in the execution of infrastructure development, particularly in areas crucial for community connectivity and economic activity. The upcoming session is expected to shed further light on the issues and potentially lead to remedial actions to ensure the successful completion of the road project to acceptable quality standards.
