LAMECO Flyover: Osun Works Ministry Defends Project, Rejects Structural Failure Claims, Explains Procurement Process

The Osun State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure has defended the integrity of the LAMECO Flyover in Osogbo, dismissing claims that the damaged section of the bridge represents a structural failure and insisting that all public infrastructure projects in the state are subjected to rigorous engineering supervision, laboratory testing and transparent procurement procedures.

The ministry made the clarification during a meeting with officials of the World Institute for Peace and Media at its headquarters in Abere. The engagement followed the group’s recent protest over the damaged section of the newly commissioned flyover.

Speaking during the meeting, the Executive Director of the World Institute for Peace and Media, Lamina Kamiludeen Omotoyosi, said the organisation requested the engagement to emphasise that its earlier protest was motivated by public interest rather than politics.

According to him, the organisation sought explanations on the contractors handling the LAMECO Flyover project, the government’s quality assurance mechanisms and the procedures adopted in awarding major infrastructure contracts.

Responding, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Idowu Bashir Bello, maintained that every contractor handling government projects is subjected to strict monitoring by experienced engineers in the ministry, irrespective of the administration in office.

Bello noted that he has served as a professional engineer under five Osun State governors—Chief Bisi Akande, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Adegboyega Oyetola and Governor Ademola Adeleke—and affirmed that engineering standards have remained consistent across successive administrations.

“The same Ministry of Works engineers who supervised projects under previous governments are still supervising projects today. If anyone condemns projects certified by the ministry, it simply means they are condemning projects executed under successive administrations because the same professional standards have remained in place,” he said.

He cited several landmark infrastructure projects executed across different administrations, including the State Secretariat built under Chief Bisi Akande, the Old Garage–Abere–Akoda Dual Carriageway and Aregbe Bridge completed during the Oyinlola administration, the Gbongan Interchange and several bridges constructed under Aregbesola, the Olaiya Flyover delivered during Oyetola’s tenure, as well as the Okefia, LAMECO and Lagere flyovers and several dual carriageways being executed under Governor Adeleke.

Addressing concerns over the LAMECO Flyover, Bello explained that every government construction contract includes a defect liability period during which contractors remain responsible for correcting any defects discovered after project completion.

He disclosed that the government retains five per cent of every contract sum throughout the liability period as a retention fee, describing the arrangement as an internationally recognised engineering practice.

“Minor defects during the liability period are not unusual. They are anticipated in engineering contracts, which is why the retention fee exists. What happened on the bridge should not be interpreted as structural failure,” Bello stated.

He added that preliminary findings suggested that another affected section of the flyover had been damaged rather than suffering structural failure, stressing that only a comprehensive engineering investigation could establish the actual cause.

The Permanent Secretary urged members of the public to refrain from speculation capable of creating unnecessary panic, insisting that engineering conclusions should be based on scientific evidence instead of assumptions or political narratives.

Also speaking, the Director of Highways, Engr. M.A. Ojebode, clarified that the Ministry of Works does not award contracts, explaining that the responsibility lies with the Osun State Public Procurement Agency.

According to him, the agency advertises projects publicly, receives bids from interested contractors and evaluates them based on technical competence, financial capacity, equipment, manpower and previous performance before recommending qualified firms for government approval.

“The procurement process is transparent and competitive. Contractors emerge after meeting clearly defined technical and financial requirements, while approvals are granted through the appropriate government channels,” Ojebode explained.

He further stated that the Adeleke administration has continued to execute major infrastructure projects across the state, describing many of them as legacy projects designed to stand the test of time.

Ojebode cited the Akoda–Cottage–Oke Gada Road as an example, noting that despite being completed several years ago, it remains in good condition, while similar road projects are ongoing across the state’s federal constituencies.

Contributing, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Engr. O.O. Salami, said the ministry has supervised the reconstruction and renovation of numerous public schools and primary healthcare centres in collaboration with the Ministries of Education and Health.

He explained that technical assessments are carried out to determine whether ageing school buildings should be renovated or completely rebuilt, adding that structures that have outlived their lifespan are demolished and reconstructed to eliminate safety risks.

Salami also disclosed that several primary healthcare centres across the state have been upgraded with modern facilities, including improved buildings, potable water, electricity and solar-powered installations to enhance healthcare delivery.

The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to delivering quality infrastructure, ensuring transparency in project execution and sustaining collaboration with civil society organisations to strengthen public confidence in government projects.

Recall that some residents alongside members of Civil Society Organisations had on Friday staged a protest in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, demanding a comprehensive investigation into the damaged section of the newly commissioned LAMECO Flyover.

The protesters, who marched from Freedom Park to the flyover, said the incident had raised serious concerns about the quality of work executed on the project, which was funded with public resources.