157 Projects, One State: The Nigeria Times Investigates Oyo Government’s Biggest Development Drive
By Aliyu Oyewole
As Governor Seyi Makinde enters the final phase of his second term, the Oyo State Government is overseeing one of the largest public infrastructure drives in the state’s recent history, with 157 projects currently under execution across multiple sectors.
An investigation by The Nigeria Times shows that the projects span roads, healthcare, education, agriculture, justice, public buildings, water supply, rural development and environmental infrastructure.
The projects, monitored through the Oyo State Project Performance Monitoring Agency (OYSPPMA) and highlighted on the government’s Feedback platform, represent billions of naira in public investment intended to improve living standards and stimulate economic growth.
Roads Dominate Infrastructure Spending
Road construction remains the largest category of ongoing projects.
Ojoo Interchange–IITA–Moniya Junction–Akinyele Interchange dualisation.
Mobil–Oluyole Industrial Estate Road Network.
Igboho–Igbope–Kisi Road.
Niko Engineering–Ita Faaji–Opopin Road.
Ikolaba Road Network.
Bodija Main Market Road.
Aguodo–Olojo–Sekoni–Osupa–Eleko–Bosunla Junction.
Alesinloye–Jericho Road rehabilitation.
Several strategic roads are under construction or rehabilitation across Ibadan, Ogbomoso, Oke-Ogun, Oyo and Ibarapa zones. Among them are urban road dualisation projects, rural access roads under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), bridge works and drainage interventions designed to improve transportation and agricultural productivity.
The state government argues that improving road connectivity is central to reducing travel time, opening rural markets and attracting investment.
Schools, Hospitals and Courts Under Renovation
Beyond roads, numerous public schools are being rehabilitated with new classrooms, perimeter fencing, toilet facilities and learning infrastructure.
Healthcare facilities are also receiving upgrades, while several judicial buildings—including court complexes—are undergoing reconstruction or renovation to improve access to justice. Current monitoring updates include projects such as the reconstruction of the former NRC building at Ona-Ara to accommodate High and Magistrate Courts and school fencing projects in communities including Abanla and Iseyin.
Monitoring Agency Tracks Progress
The Oyo State Project Performance Monitoring Agency says it was established to strengthen transparency, monitor contractors, evaluate project implementation and ensure compliance with procurement regulations.
According to the agency, it maintains records of projects, contractors and consultants while carrying out inspections and publishing monitoring reports on project performance.
Communities Await Delivery
Although many residents acknowledge that work is ongoing in their communities, several projects remain incomplete.
In some locations, construction activities are progressing steadily, while in others residents continue to wait for projects to reach completion.
For communities expecting improved roads, healthcare facilities and educational infrastructure, timely delivery remains the most important measure of success.
Accountability Questions Remain
While the scale of the projects demonstrates significant public investment, questions remain regarding implementation timelines, expenditure, contractor performance and completion rates.
Public finance experts argue that citizens deserve regular disclosures on:
percentage completion of each project;
contract values and variations;
expected completion dates;
project milestones achieved; and
reasons for any delays.
Such disclosures would strengthen transparency and allow taxpayers to independently assess project delivery.
Government’s Position
The Oyo State Government has consistently maintained that ongoing projects will be completed before the end of the current administration in 2027.
Officials have reiterated that project monitoring remains a priority and that infrastructure delivery is central to the administration’s development agenda.
The Nigeria Times Verdict
The existence of 157 ongoing projects reflects the scale of Oyo State’s infrastructure programme. However, the ultimate test will not be the number of projects announced but how many are completed to specification, delivered within budget and capable of providing lasting benefits to residents.
Over the coming months, The Nigeria Times will continue tracking these projects across the state’s 33 local government areas, documenting progress, identifying delays and holding public officials accountable for the delivery of projects funded with taxpayers’ money.
