A field investigation by Tracka has revealed that the Owena–Alade–Idanre Road in Ondo State remains abandoned despite ₦371.7 million being disbursed between April and November 2024 for its construction and rehabilitation. An additional ₦33.2 million was paid in August 2024 for production engineering design related to the project.

Tracka, using both physical site visits and verification via the BudgIT Foundation’s GovSpend platform, found that the road is in a near-impassable condition, with no evidence of meaningful construction activity or contractor presence on site.

The report highlights a stark disconnect between government expenditure and the actual impact of projects on citizens’ daily lives. Residents along the corridor continue to face worsening transportation challenges, slowed economic activity, and higher costs for moving goods and services.

“Farmers, traders, students, and small business owners are forced to bear the burden of a project that exists largely on paper,” the report stated. It also raised concerns about rising criminal activities along the road, citing that its deteriorated state has created opportunities for attacks and robberies, endangering lives and livelihoods.

Tracka described the situation as indicative of a broader pattern in Nigeria, where infrastructure projects repeatedly appear as “ongoing” in the national budget despite little or no progress on the ground.

Reacting to the findings, civic tech organisation MonITNG urged urgent transparency and accountability from relevant authorities.

“We call on the Federal Ministry of Works, as the implementing agency, to provide detailed and transparent information on how the funds disbursed for this project were utilized. Nigerians deserve to know why substantial payments have been made while the road remains in shambles, and when the contractor will be fully mobilised to deliver the project,” MonITNG said.

The organisation also called on anti-graft agencies to intervene, specifically urging the ICPC and EFCC to investigate possible mismanagement or diversion of funds involving H.K. Flamingo Consulting Ltd, the implementing agency, and other responsible parties.

“Accountability is not optional. Public funds must translate to public value, and citizens must not continue to suffer because of corruption and impunity,” MonITNG concluded.