Residents of Sagamu in Ogun State have expressed anger after the state government ordered the suspension of a Federal Government road intervention project in their community.
The reconstruction of Paddy-Arikawe Oye Igbimo Road was approved under President Bola Tinubu’s administration and awarded to Minim and Tonye Nigeria Limited through the efforts of Senator Gbenga Daniel. Work had already begun on the site before the Ogun State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure directed the contractor to stop operations.
According to the ministry, the suspension became necessary because the contractor did not obtain clearance or permit from the state government before starting the project. Officials also argued that the federal approval bypassed the normal procedure expected when working on a state road.
The decision has caused unrest in Sagamu as residents accused the government of acting against their interest and making life more difficult for people who have long waited for the road to be fixed. They described the move as unfair and unnecessary.
Supporters of Senator Daniel recalled that this was not the first time projects facilitated by him had been halted by the state. They alleged that several other federal interventions linked to him were stopped in the same manner, leaving communities stranded.
Meanwhile, the Ogun State government explained that its concern was to ensure that contractors submit all required documents and properly brief the state before carrying out any project. Officials said this process helps the state monitor the quality and coordination of infrastructure projects across different communities.
While residents continue to complain over the stalled road project, some youths in the state have shared their appreciation for ongoing empowerment programs. Beneficiaries of free training sessions at Ogun TechHub in Abeokuta praised the government for providing a conducive learning environment and modern equipment. They said the training exposed them to skills in phone and laptop repairs and gave them confidence to either seek employment or start their own ventures.
Participants added that such initiatives would help young people build careers in technology and reduce unemployment across the state. Many of them described the opportunity as life-changing and urged the government to sustain the program.
The suspension of the Sagamu road project, however, continues to fuel tension as residents await the next step from both the federal and state governments.