Kwara Concerned Group Raises Alarm as Tanke Flyover Nears 3 Years of Delays, Says Structure Should be Dismantled if Necessary 

By Omowumi Omotosho

The Kwara Concerned Group has voiced strong concerns over the delayed commission of General Tunde Idiagbon Flyover at Tanke Tipper Garage, Ilorin. In a public address on Thursday, the group accused the Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq-led Kwara State Government of failing to deliver on its promises regarding the flyover, as in less than 45 days from now the project approval would clock three years.

Speaking at a press conference held beside the Tanke bridge on Thursday, the Convener of Kwara Concerned Group, Pastor Buoye Olusegun David expressed frustration over the prolonged delay, saying, “We have convened today to address the pressing and lingering concerns surrounding the failure of the Kwara State Government to commission for public use the General Tunde Idiagbon Flyover at Tanke, despite nearly three years passing since its conception.”

The Tanke Flyover project, named after one of Kwara State’s most revered military heroes, General Tunde Idiagbon, was introduced on November 3, 2021. According to the group, the project was aimed at alleviating traffic congestion in the Tanke area, particularly around the University of Ilorin. The contract for the project, valued at N2.27 billion, was awarded to JMK Construction Company Limited with a 12-month completion timeline. However, the Kwara Concerned Group noted that the project has suffered multiple delays without adequate explanations from the state government.

“Despite the substantial financial allocation to the project, the projected completion dates have been repeatedly deferred, with assurances from the immediate past and the incumbent Commissioners

for Works, Engr. Rotimi lliasu and Hon. Abdulqowiy Olododo, failing to materialize. The initial 12-month

completion period has been extended multiple times without cogent reasons, stirring deep concerns about the management and oversight of this critical project,” Buoye stated.

The group further alleged that the project has been plagued by reports of substandard workmanship, raising serious safety concerns about the structural integrity of the flyover. “Damning accounts of substandard workmanship have surfaced online, and apprehensions have been expressed regarding the integrity of the structure once it is eventually opened to the public,” the group noted, calling on the state government to address these concerns urgently.

Despite public outcry, the Kwara Concerned Group accused the government of dismissing legitimate concerns. “All these were blatantly disregarded by the government through a series of propaganda and statements from the media arms of the State Government,” they said, adding that transparency in the project’s execution has been lacking.

The group also questioned the handling of public funds allocated for the project. Allegations of cost escalations, along with the engagement and termination of multiple contractors, have further fueled suspicions of mismanagement. “The absence of transparency and adherence to due process in the award and execution of the project has triggered significant consternation from the general public,” they declared.

In response to these issues, the Kwara Concerned Group is demanding an independent inquiry into the project, as well as a detailed financial breakdown of the funds expended so far.

“Additionally, we are also calling for a thorough and transparent inquiry into the entire process encompassing the allocation and execution of the Tanke Flyover project whilst demanding, on behalf of fellow citizens and residents of the state, a comprehensive breakdown of the funds expended to date. The citizens of Kwara State are entitled to have confidence in the probity and caliber of public infrastructure undertakings, and the Tanke Flyover is no exception,” the group declared.

They also called for urgent action, suggesting that if safety concerns cannot be adequately addressed, the flyover may need to be dismantled. “Should genuine safety apprehensions hinder the unveiling of the flyover, the government should give precedence to the well-being of its populace and consider the prospect of dismantling the structure if necessary,” the group further emphasized.

The Kwara Concerned Group, however, urged the government to prioritize the welfare of its citizens and “open the flyover for public use without further delay.”