The Kwara State government has spent over N4.6bn in counterparts funding for the construction of 209.77 kilometres of rural roads across the 16 local governments area of the state.

The state’s coordinator of Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), Dr Isaac Kolo, disclosed this at the 47th Media Parliament of the Kwara State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).

The event was themed “Ending Rural/Urban Migration Through Quality Road Infrastructure”.

Kolo said about 66.5 kilometers of the rural roads would be constructed in phase one to cover Asa, Ilorin West, Ilorin East, Oyun and Edu local government areas of the state .

He said 39.6 kilometers of the roads would be constructed in Baruten along the border of Benin Republic, amongst others.

He explained that an agro-logistic has been put in place to upgrade market infrastructure across the three senatorial districts of the state to meet international standard.

The RAAMP coordinator said the opening of the rural areas through the construction of road network would reduce the challenges of rural-urban migration.

Kolo said road network are constructed in a way to link the rural dwellers to a market very close to them to sell their farm produce.

He appealed to the residents of the state to take ownership of the road infrastructure and report any challenge to the government for proper attention.

Earlier, the chairman of Kwara State Council of the NUJ, AbdulLateef Ahmed, said journalists have the responsibility of keeping the public informed on the programmes and policies of government and make the public officers accountable.

A human rights activist, Segun O’law, has raised concerns over widespread extortion allegedly involving police officers and government officials in various parts of Lagos State.

O’law was seen in a viral video installing road signs along the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, highlighting how some motorists were being unfairly targeted by law enforcement officers.

In the video, he explained how police officers deliberately wait for unsuspecting motorists to drive on unmarked restricted roads before arresting them for alleged one-way violations.

Speaking to TheNigerian Metro on Saturday, O’law said the motorists were usually coerced into paying large sums of money to avoid having their vehicles impounded.

He also lamented the lack of proper road signage on federal roads, which he believed was being exploited for extortion.

He said, “We are doing this because the road is a federal road and nobody would imagine that there will be an unmarked road along the area. Imagine someone coming from Sagamu, driving through Abeokuta down to Sango, then got to Abule Egba and after descending the bridge, entered a restricted lane ahead on federal road. How will an interstate driver expect to enter a restricted lane without signage?

That is where we have the issue. It takes less than a litre of paint to write, ‘Do not enter here’ but they prefer not to put it because they want to extort. These activities are being carried out by some police officers who hide to arrest the motorists.”

Speaking on what informed his decision, O’law said the extortion had escalated to an alarming level, describing the scale as overwhelming.

He said, “Nothing else prompted the action than the fact that the extortion was getting too much. Now, it is no longer N5000 or N10,000. It is now N150,000, N200,000 and N300,000 that they extort from people. They use scare tactics by driving the victim to a corner and threatening to take him to the station and thereafter charge him to court from where their vehicles get impounded. And since no one wants their vehicle impounded, they will ask them to bring that amount. And because Lagosians are not that patient, a lot of them just part with the money.

“So they are making the money every day. You can’t even imagine the number of people they milk every day. It has become so alarming that we have to stop it. If you stand there for one hour, you will lose count of the motorists they rip off.”

He however noted that the exercise was still ongoing along the expressway in the meantime.

He said, “We are still along the Sango-Oshodi Road. The BRT lane along the corridor is what we are still covering. Most of the BRT lanes in the state are unmarked. By the time, we are done with that, we will move to Ketu-Ikorodu Road. It is a movement already and we just can’t stop because we have to rescue ourselves from the hands of this extortionist.”

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, could not be reached as calls made to his telephone were not responded to. A text message sent to him had yet to be replied to as of the time this report was filed.

TheNigerian Metro had in a four-part series reported how police and government officials extort motorists plying unmarked routes in the state.

This was after the Lagos State Government prohibited driving against traffic (one-way) and auctioned 134 vehicles forfeited by their owners over the offence.

The exercise was greeted with mixed reactions, as some residents recounted driving on unmarked roads and accused the state government of not fulfilling its part.

The areas visited by our correspondent in the report included Mushin, Itire, Yaba, Dopemu, Iyana Oworo, Ajao Estate and Oshodi Isolo areas.

The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, Baba Azare, on Saturday, led police officers to enforce the expiration of the third-party insurance policy.

Our correspondent who monitored development reports that most of the major roads in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State have been deserted following the commencement of the exercise on  Saturday.

The Inspector General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun had directed the police to commence enforcement of the mandatory third-party insurance nationwide on February 1st, 2025.

The directive aimed to enforce road safety measures that vehicle owners comply with the stipulated insurance requirements to protect themselves and others on the road.

The CP had held a meeting with the stakeholders where he briefed them on the enforcement and warned that any vehicle that failed to comply would be impounded.

Addressing reporters after monitoring the compliance, CP Azare said the exercise was seamless, adding that motorists in the state have complied accordingly.

He said, “We are here to monitor the enforcement of the third-party insurance directed by the IGP.

“In Akwa Ibom State, we had a seamless exercise. Third-party insurance is a requirement of the law. You must have all your documents to ply Nigerian roads.”

The commissioner directed motorists “To obtain their third-party insurance papers to avoid the impoundment of their vehicles”, adding that the enforcement exercise has commenced and is currently ongoing.

He explained that the enforcement of the directive by the IGP became necessary to ensure that motor vehicles were road-worthy and in line with the laws of the country.

Azare added that the exercise would continue until motorists complied adding that those without third-party insurance would have their vehicles impounded.

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A viral video circulated on Instagram on Friday showing a motorist lamenting as men in police uniforms seized her car for allegedly driving on the Bus Rapid Transit lane in the Ikorodu area of Lagos.

Driving on the BRT corridor is a serious traffic offence in Lagos State that attracts a fine of N70,000.

In the viral clip, the officers tied the woman’s vehicle to a van and attempted to tow it.

Nearly in tears, the motorist pleaded with Nigerians to intervene and stop the officers from removing her car.

“I was not on the BRT lane! I am begging you. I will die! This motor cannot tow my vehicle. I am begging the whole of Nigeria to help me!” she cried.

Her pleas, however, fell on deaf ears as one of the officers was heard ordering a driver to proceed with towing the car.

Still, the woman stood her ground.

“This motor cannot tow my vehicle. I am not on the BRT lane. My daughter’s convocation is today! Officers, you are wicked. What is my offence?” she screamed.

Netizens, who reacted to the video, claimed there was no sign indicating that the road was designated for BRT buses.

“This is my area. There is nothing she can do. The day it happened to us, I begged these people endlessly with my baby on my back. But when it was getting late, nobody had to tell us to pay N70,000—we even had to borrow the money. It was really a painful experience. Honestly, there is no signpost there,” a netizen, identified as @dbdelight_snacks, wrote.

Observers noted that the woman’s ordeal exemplifies how officers, believed to be from the police, the Lagos State Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, and other non-state actors, exploit the absence of clear road signs to make life difficult for motorists and private vehicle owners in Lagos daily.

Findings by Sunday TheNigerian revealed that some of the hotspots for extortion in the state include bus terminals around Ikorodu, Oshodi, Obalende, Yaba, Oyingbo, Mile 2, the Aswani area/7&8 on Airport Road, Anthony, and certain sections of the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, including Ile Epo and Pleasure bus stops.

A visit to some of the locations on Thursday showed the absence of road signs distinguishing the lanes designated for BRT buses from those meant for other vehicles.

Despite the missing road signs, officers in police uniforms were observed stopping vehicles on the unmarked roads for traffic violations.

According to residents, visitors and people who may not be familiar with Lagos routes often mistakenly drive into the BRT lanes. Such drivers are allegedly extorted by security operatives.

Some activists argued that the absence of proper signposts has fueled extortion on many roads in the state. They noted that unmarked BRT lanes, one-way roads, and diverted routes have become traps for unsuspecting travellers.

A journalist cum activist, Segun O’Law, launched a campaign on Tuesday at Super Bus Stop, Oke Odo, in the Agege Local Government Area of the state in response to outcry over police extortion in the community.

In a video posted by O’Law on social media and seen by our correspondent, there is no warning sign for motorists to steer clear of the BRT lane.

While Segun was decrying how drivers usually fell victim to extortionate state agents, a motorist was captured driving into the forbidden side of the road.

After being warned, the driver reversed and took the other side of the road.

“A victim recently told me that he and two friends were driving in a convoy, following one another. The police arrested all three at the same time, collecting N70,000 each—N210,000 in total. This happened less than a month ago, and we receive reports like this daily. We got fed up and realised this seemed like a deliberate trap for unsuspecting commuters and drivers.

“The state government created lanes on federal roads and failed to put up any signs. Instead, they deployed officers to extort Nigerians. Why can’t the state government simply install a signpost that says ‘BRT Only’ beside the road for all to see? Isn’t that cheaper than placing a monitoring team to extort people?” Segun said.

Also, a netizen identified as Joseph Akinade, wrote on X, “I was just in Nigeria and was extorted by the police every time I plied the Super/Ile Epo route—not even the BRT lane but another road leading to the Agege/Pen Cinema bridge. They are always on both sides of the uneven roads. In a month, I gave over N30,000 without committing any offence—just from listening to them begging for money.”

A shop owner at Pleasure Bus Stop, who identified himself only as Emeka, said officers often exploited the lack of traffic signs on diverted sections of the road to extort unsuspecting motorists.

He said, “The officers claim there is a diversion, but as you can see, there is no evidence or sign to indicate that. Yet, they keep harassing people—even while armed. They hide at a corner on Sholabunmi Crescent Road before the bus stop and arrest any vehicle that crosses the supposed diversion to the other side. They charge motorists between N200,000 and N300,000 before releasing them.

“Just yesterday, a woman was rushing to take her sick mother to the hospital and unknowingly entered Crescent Road. But the officers stopped the vehicle and took all of them, including the sick woman, to Alausa.”

Similarly, a resident, Olayinka Aremu, popularly known as Omo Iya Adura, said officers usually arrived at the location as early as 7.30am.

“They park their vehicles on Crescent Road, and once they spot any car crossing the diversion, they move quickly to double-cross it. Sometimes, one of them wears a police uniform, while the others are in plain clothes. They are not even targeting vehicles driving on the BRT lane—just any car that crosses the diversion. This is what we witness here every day, and it is worrisome,” Aremu said.

Sunday TheNigerian observed how some officers, under the pretext of conducting routine checks, extorted money from motorists in the area.

A tricycle driver, who begged to be reported anonymously for fear of victimisation, said extortion was commonplace at the 7&8 Bus Stop area.

“Na normal thing for here o. Sometimes, they claim you drove against traffic, and other times, they just stop you and demand money. This happens every day, and the officers are always in uniform. Even regular commuters know they must ‘drop something’ for the police,” he stated.

Prominent human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, told Sunday TheNigerian that political thugs usually took advantage of the absence of road signs to extort money from motorists.

“Those extorting drivers are not just public officers. They are also thugs of the government. And the local governments are helpless in dealing with them,” Falana said.

According to him, about N100bn is collected annually in Lagos through this scheme, identifying Oshodi as one of the state’s extortion hotspots.

“They collect over N100bn per year—enough to fix the roads. In Oshodi, they arrest people indiscriminately. Go there, and you’ll see vehicles, including those belonging to people who have no other job but kabukabu. We drive on the road too, but where are the road signs?” the Senior Advocate of Nigeria questioned.

He said during the last election, the state government temporarily suspended the indiscriminate arrests and released impounded vehicles to their owners “because they knew the action was unjust.”

“Look at another issue in Lagos—how many houses have numbers? Haven’t you had that experience where you’re searching for an address but can’t find any house numbers on the street? You keep driving around in circles. Yet, they claim Lagos is working. How is it working?” he added.

Reacting, the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, denied the allegations, noting that the BRT lanes were well demarcated from other routes in the state.

He said, “I drive on Lagos roads every day. I don’t pass through the BRT lanes because they are well-demarcated and clearly visible to everybody. What other signs are you looking for? Everybody knows a bus lane. They are well-demarcated with concrete. So what are we talking about? And for someone to accuse the government of removing the signs doesn’t sound sensible.”

When pressed on the absence of signs on some roads in the state, he said, “I remember that there is a special unit in the Ministry of Transportation that is in charge of road signposts, and they are alive to their duties. I see signs every day. I know that they get vandalised by people, but as soon as the ministry finds out, they re-erect the signs.”

The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, did not answer calls or respond to a WhatsApp message sent to him on the matter on Friday.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu yesterday inaugurated four different roads totalling 10.10km in Oriade, Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area, and declared zero tolerance for indiscriminate refuse disposal in the state.

The Governor, who also conducted a groundbreaking ceremony for 1,500 lock-up shops at Iba Junction, stated that the government would ensure that the shops’ prices would be affordable to the rightful owners when completed.

Sanwo-Olu, on the lock-up shops, warned, “Tell them I do not like the refuse on our roads. We will come hard on those defacing our environment. We want to ensure that the best is expected. We also want this area to look like Ikoyi.

“We have completed phase I of Old Ojo Road, but we promise you that you will complete the second phase for Mazamaza.”

Dwelling on the four new roads, the Governor urged the residents to take good care of the infrastructure to encourage more developmental strides.

“We need to change the landscape of this area permanently. We need to go back and look at the realignment to have vehicular movement across the waterways.

“We are happy with the modern infrastructure development we have brought. I assure you that we will continue working harder for more.

The newly commissioned roads are Old Ojo (Phase 1), Irede, Navy Town, and Mumuni Adio (Buba Marwa), all leading to the area’s jetties.

Irede, Navy Town, Mumuni Adio (Buba Marwa), and Old Ojo (Phase 1) Roads provide a link to both the Lagos Blue Line Rail on the Lagos Badagry Expressway and the Water component of the multi-modal transportation initiative with many jetties along the axis.

The roads connect the rail component on the Lagos Badagry Expressway to the Inland Waterways terminal, which has significant linkages to residential and commercial areas.

Irede Road is a 2.20km road off the Lagos-Badagry Expressway that terminates at the Irede Jetty, where water is transported to the riverine communities of Ibasa, Ibeshe, Ilashe, and Imoore.

Mumuni Adio Road is the major arterial that provides access from and into Tank Farms and Industries in Ijegun Egba, a major petroleum products depot within the corridor. It was constructed as a semi-urban road about 40 years ago.

Navy Town Road leads to Ijegun Imoren Jetty and connects the Old Ojo Road to Central Bank Estate, Training School, and Navy Town.

In his welcome address, the Special Adviser on Infrastructure, Engr Olufemi Daramola, stated that the projects are crucial to the development and prosperity of Amuwo-Odofin and Lagos.

He added that each road served as a vital transportation corridor, facilitating economic growth and supporting the social fabric of the local community.

The Kogi State Government has awarded contracts for the backlog maintenance and rehabilitation of 106.36 kilometres of rural farm roads under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP).

Valued at ₦6,387,454,983.00, the government said these contracts mark a pivotal step in improving accessibility and boosting agricultural productivity across the state.

The contract signing ceremony which was held on Monday in Lokoja amidst excitement and optimism, highlighted the government’s commitment to infrastructure development.

Speaking at the event, the State Project Coordinator, Engineer Sheidu Obansa, expressed confidence in the contractors and reaffirmed the administration’s dedication to inclusive rural development under Governor Usman Ododo.

Government said the projects were awarded to reputable construction firms after a thorough evaluation process, saying identifying the successful contractors to include Philko Limited, K-Class Multi-Global Engineering Construction Company JV Ferotex Construction Limited, Zarcus Construction Limited, and NAEL and Bin Harmal Hydro Export Nigeria Limited (NBHH).

Each contractor is tasked with delivering quality work to ensure the timely completion of the assigned projects.

“In addition to the road rehabilitation contracts, the government has also allocated ₦713,458,813.97 for cross-drainage structure interventions across 66mm.

“These works will address critical drainage issues in various locations, with G-Ariths Engineering Limited, Swaleys Nigeria Limited, and Simat Construction and Civil Engineering handling key projects.”

Engineer Obansa assured the contractors of the state’s unwavering support to facilitate efficient and timely execution of the projects while emphasising the importance of delivering work that meets specified quality standards.

The project’s Infrastructure Engineer, Engineer AbdulBasit Musa who also spoke at the event called for robust collaboration between the contractors and the State Project Implementation Unit (SPIU), stressing that all necessary resources and expertise are in place to ensure the success of these transformative projects.

On behalf of the contractors, Mohammed Ibrahim of Philko Limited pledged strong commitment to adhering to project timelines and ensuring quality delivery.

He expressed gratitude to the state government for the opportunity to contribute to its vision for rural development, noting that these projects are aimed at fostering economic growth, improve livelihoods, and enhance rural accessibility in line with the government’s development agenda.

He added that the recent contract award followed a similar initiative in October of the previous year, where contracts for 65.25 kilometres of rural roads were awarded, with civil works now in progress.

“These concerted efforts underscore the Kogi State Government’s resolve to bridge infrastructure deficits, paving the way for economic transformation and sustainable development across rural communities.

Lagos State governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, yesterday unveiled more new roads in Lagos Mainland, Somolu and Kosofe local government areas of the state, urging the residents to take good care of the upgraded roads to ensure that they stand the test of time.

The governor gave the charge in his address at the formal commissioning of the rehabilitation of St. Finbarr’s College Road, Asani, Tijani Ashogbon, Jagunmolu, Shogbamu and Diya streets.

Governor Sanwo-Olu who had the previous day commissioned Oba Dosumu Street, Oduduwa Way, Oduduwa Crescent, Sobo Arobiodu, and Sasegbon streets, said the areas covered by the projects hold cultural, educational and historical significance for Lagos State.

He pointed out that St Finbarr’s Road was built by the British during the colonial period and served as a route for their administrators and missionaries.

He said, “We have kicked off this year on a note of project commissioning and this is how we intend to carry on throughout the year. Just yesterday, I signed the 2025 Appropriation Bill into law, paving the way for the implementation of a budget that is now in excess of N3 trillion.

“Lagosians should therefore expect an immediate scaling-up of the focus on infrastructure; the completion of existing projects and commencement of work on new ones. No part of the state will be left out; we will continue to ensure that this development is equitably distributed.”

The governor who had earlier sworn in the new chairman and members of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) urged the residents to participate actively in the local government election to be conducted by the commission.

The members of LASIEC, who are expected to coordinate the proposed local government elections in Lagos State, are led by Justice Bola Okikiolu Ighile. The members are Mr Samson Ajibade, Mr Akin Durojaiye Oluwo, Dr Olumide Olusola Metilelu, Mr Abeeb Dapo Aileru and Hon Oladele Adekanye.

“You all know that LASIEC has the responsibility to conduct elections at the local government level. Begin to prepare yourselves because we have told them to prepare for a free and fair local government election at the grassroot level.”

Earlier, the special adviser to Lagos State governor on Infrastructure, Engr Olufemi Daramola said the projects do not only represent a critical part of the state’s infrastructure master plan but aligned with the THEMES agenda, particularly in transportation and traffic management.

Daramola said, “Before rehabilitation, the road was way past its service life, with inadequate drainage and increased traffic, resulting in significant inconveniences to residents, business and commuters. Recognising its importance, the government embarked on this transformative project to restore functionality, reduce travel time, improve aesthetics, and ensure long-term durability.”

A former minister of youth and sports, Solomon Dalung, has come under fire for his assertion that road construction in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) does not equate to development.

Lere Olayinka, the senior special assistant on public communications and new media to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, described Dalung’s statement as “a clear indication of a mind in distress, shifting from rationality to delusion.”

In a statement yesterday, Olayinka expressed disbelief over Dalung’s apparent hostility toward Wike and President Bola Tinubu’s administration, questioning how he could claim on live television that “road projects in the FCT do not contribute to development as they do not enhance the overall well-being of the populace.”

He highlighted Dalung’s past failures as minister of youth and sports, pointing to his claim that road construction cannot be regarded as development since many Nigerians lack vehicles.

“It’s astonishing that someone whose tenure was marked by Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the Nations Cup believes that roads only benefit those who own cars. Such reasoning is incredibly shortsighted,” he said.

Olayinka further said that, from Dalung’s perspective, the completion of key infrastructure projects—such as the Saburi-Dei Dei road, the 5km Dutse-Usuma Dam road, and several other vital roads in the Bwari and Kwali Area Councils—would not signify progress or development.

He added that roads like the 11km Kuje road and the Aguma Palace-radio Nigeria-New Market road in Gwagwalada are supposedly irrelevant to those without vehicles, according to Dalung’s viewpoint.

Olayinka also mentioned that in December 2024, the FCT Minister inaugurated the construction of additional roads in communities like Kabusa and Ketti.

“In Dalung’s perspective, these efforts in satellite towns will bear no developmental significance once completed,” Olayinka asserted.

He reflected on Dalung’s history of public comments, citing his dismissive remarks about the Super Falcons when they faced funding delays in 2016 and his lack of concern for the under-23 football team during the Rio 2016 Olympics.

“Given his track record of irresponsible statements, it’s hardly surprising that he would express such outlandish opinions today,” Olayinka said, urging those close to Dalung to pay attention to his evident need for mental health support.

Akwa Ibom State government has expressed concern over emergency erection of illegal structures on the proposed new roads earmarked for construction from 2025.

Therefore, Governor Umo Eno has warned the perpetrators that “anyone who builds illegal structures along roads designated for construction and expansion will likely suffer monumental losses as the government will not be driven by sentiments to part with public funds as compensation.”

Speaking through his senior special assistant (SSA) on Research and Documentation, Dr Essien Ndueso, the governor assured that his administration was “very passionate about building and expanding infrastructure, especially to open up rural communities,” warning that he would not patronise any attempts to cook up illegal structures on the projects’ corridors with a view to extorting funds from government.

He noted that illegal structures springing up along the Afaha Offiong in Nsit Ibom local government area and Itreto, in Nsit Ubium LGA road projects with several mushroom buildings would be cleared as “government will not condone antics meant to milk it for pseudo-projects.

“Illegal structures built along the right of way will be demolished without hesitation to pave the way for road projects.

“The government has proposed a dual carriage way for Nung Udoe – Afaha Nsit road to open up Ibesikpo and Nsit Ibom LGAs, and has also announced another dualisation for Afaha Offiong – Itreto road for the agrarian communities within Nsit Ibom through Nsit Ubium.

“That is the axis you have the Ibom Model Farm. And that is serious development springing up in those areas. As indigenes and primary beneficiaries, it is expedient for the indigenes to welcome this initiative with open arms rather than attempting to frustrate government efforts with shambolic demands”, he stressed.

The governor, therefore, cautioned that such hasty constructions would not derail his administration’s agenda to implement meaningful projects for the benefit of Akwa Ibom residents.

“Once the bulldozers move in to establish the right of way, no amount of wailings, sentiments or traditional injunctions will prevail against the humming sound of the marauding machines,” he added.