Uromi, Edo – A storm of controversy has erupted over the ongoing construction of Mission Road in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area of Edo State, as concerned citizens and watchdog group MonITNG have flagged alarming lapses in the project’s execution.

The group, in a detailed post on X late Tuesday, accused the contractor of relying heavily on manual labor and rudimentary materials, raising fears that the multi-million naira project could turn into a future liability for the community.

The post, accompanied by three revealing images, showcases the current state of the construction site.

MonITNG’s post, directed at Governor Monday Okpebholo, demands immediate action, urging the governor to summon the contractor and supervising engineers to justify their methods.

The group has called for verified material test certificates, evidence of compaction tests, an approved pavement design, and a timeline for corrective measures.

They warn that the current approach—lacking proper geotechnical checks and compaction equipment—could lead to rapid deterioration, potholes, and eventual collapse, drawing parallels with the troubled Benin–Sapele corridor and sections of the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.

“This multi-million naira project deserves engineered pavement design, quality-assured materials, soil investigation, and the machinery needed to deliver a durable road,” the post reads.

It added, “Constructing a major arterial like Mission Road with improvised methods risks rapid surface deterioration and total collapse, outcomes that have ruined investors’ money and endangered lives on other Nigerian roads.”

The group has also appealed to the Edo State Ministry of Works and the State Bureau of Public Procurement to conduct an immediate site audit, publish findings, and enforce remedial works to certified standards.

They insist that contractors found using substandard materials or workmanship should be held accountable and barred from future projects until full rectification is achieved.

Governor Okpebholo, who recently mobilized contractors for road projects across Edo State, has yet to respond to the allegations.

His administration has been lauded for initiatives in education and infrastructure. However, the Mission Road controversy could test his commitment to transparency and technical rigor in public projects.

Residents of Uromi, hopeful that Mission Road would boost economic activity, now fear that without intervention, the road could become a short-lived showpiece rather than a lasting asset.

As the debate intensifies, all eyes are on the governor to address these concerns and ensure the project meets the standards required to serve the community for decades.