OSOPADEC Targets December Completion for Aboto–Atijere Road
27 May 2026
Residents of Ondo State’s oil-producing communities may soon heave a sigh of relief as the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) has reaffirmed its commitment to completing the Aboto–Atijere Road project before the end of 2026.
The Chairman of OSOPADEC, Prince Olabiyi Olaleye Poroye, gave the assurance during an inspection of the ongoing construction work, stating that the commission and the Ondo State Government were determined to ensure timely delivery of the long-delayed project.
Poroye described the road as a critical infrastructure project with significant economic, social, and security benefits for residents of the mandate areas.
“We had this strong determination that, regardless of the challenges, Aboto–Atijere Road will be delivered before December this year,” he stated.
He explained that the road project, awarded in 2019 with an initial completion timeline of 24 months, suffered setbacks due to administrative bottlenecks and inadequate funding.
According to him, the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has revived the project through sustained intervention and financial support.
“This project should have been completed long ago. With a committed governor, a focused commission, and a capable contractor, we believe this road can now be delivered so that attention can move to other developmental needs,” Poroye said.
The OSOPADEC chairman further disclosed that Governor Aiyedatiwa had stepped in to address key challenges affecting the project and urged the contractor to ensure connectivity between Aboto and Atijere ahead of asphalt laying.
He added that the renewed urgency attached to the project was partly driven by recurring tensions between Makun and Atijere communities, noting that improved road access would enhance movement and foster peaceful coexistence.
Poroye revealed that only about seven kilometres remain between Akata Junction and Atijere, expressing confidence that the contractor would meet the December deadline.
Speaking during the inspection, the Managing Director of LEE FAKINO Nigeria Limited, Chief Akindele Fajemiyo, blamed earlier delays on inadequate funding.
He, however, praised Governor Aiyedatiwa for providing assurances of improved funding to accelerate the project.
“The project was awarded in 2019, but funding challenges slowed progress. With the governor’s intervention and assurance, we are confident this road will be completed this year,” Fajemiyo stated.
He assured residents that the road would be fully tarred from Aboto to Atijere before year-end.
Fajemiyo also commended the OSOPADEC leadership and youths from Aboto, Akata, and Atijere communities for their support and cooperation throughout the construction process.
Also speaking, the Oloja of Akata, Chief Oke Olejagbo, lauded Governor Aiyedatiwa and OSOPADEC for their commitment, expressing optimism that the road project would bring development and lasting relief to the affected communities.
