Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has assured contractors handling road projects across the state of continued government funding and support, saying his administration is determined to achieve significant progress on the projects before Christmas.
Governor Okpebholo gave the assurance on Monday, August 24, 2026, while inspecting ongoing construction works along the Arue-Uromi-Agbor road projects in Esan North East Local Government Area of the state.
The governor, who said the projects were progressing despite challenges posed by the rainy season, explained that current construction activities were largely focused on drainage works.
“We are here to look at what they are doing. We have gone around several project sites since morning to see how far they are going, and the work is progressing,” Okpebholo said.
According to him, the rainy season had limited the extent of construction activities that could be undertaken at the moment, making drainage construction a major priority.
“By the grace of God, we are looking at what we can achieve between now and Christmas, because of the rainy season, nothing much can actually be done.
“The only thing they can do now is the drainage, which they are working on, and we are seeing the progress they are making across the various sites,” he added.
Okpebholo said the state government would continue to release funds to contractors as resources became available, stressing that his administration remained committed to ensuring steady progress on ongoing road projects.
“Our aim is to make sure that we do our best to fund them. As the money comes to us, we also use the money to fund them. So, we will continue to strive to ensure that progress is made on these roads,” the governor said.
He expressed optimism that the completed projects would improve road infrastructure, enhance connectivity and ease movement for residents and motorists, particularly during the Christmas period.
Speaking on the project, the Area Manager of Setraco Nigeria Limited, Mr. Michel Aoy, said the Irrua-Uromi bypass road would be constructed to nine metres wide on each side, with a concrete barrier at the centre and street lighting along the route.
Aoy identified the acquisition of the right of way for the 18.6-metre-wide road, as well as a drainage corridor of about 20 metres, as some of the major challenges encountered by the contractor.
He, however, said significant progress had been made, particularly on the drainage component.
“Now we can see the drain executed, which is the hardest step of the project and which will normally take time with contractors,” Aoy said.
The assurance is part of the Edo State Government’s ongoing efforts to accelerate road infrastructure development and improve transportation across the state.
