Reps to Investigate Abandoned N22.6bn Multi-Purpose Dam Project in Ile-Ife

The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the abandoned Multi-Purpose Dam project valued at N22.585 billion in Kajola Village, Ile-Ife, Osun State — 21 years after its initial award and two subsequent reviews.

This decision followed the adoption of a motion titled “Need to Complete the Construction of the Multi-Purpose Dam Project in Kajola Village, Ile-Ife, Osun State” sponsored by Hon. Abimbola Ajilesoro, who called for the intervention of the House.

Leading the debate, Hon. Ajilesoro noted that the dam construction contract was originally awarded to Reynolds Construction Company Nigeria Ltd on December 21, 2004, for N2.24 billion, with a completion period of 24 months.

He recalled that the contractor mobilized to site in 2008 and commenced work, but only achieved 40% completion before abandoning the project due to lack of funds.

Ajilesoro further explained that the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, through the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), reviewed the contract in December 2011, increasing the cost to N10.87 billion and extending the completion time by another 24 months (January 2020 to December 2021).

He added that on December 15, 2022, the project’s revised estimated total cost was pegged at N22.585 billion.

The lawmaker expressed concern that the prolonged abandonment of the project has deprived residents of its intended benefits — including the supply of domestic water to 11 local government areas across Osun and neighboring Ondo State.

He stressed that, once completed, the dam would support hydropower generation, flood control, irrigation, fisheries, and job creation.

Following the debate, the House directed the Committee on Water Resources to investigate the current status of the project, including funds released to the contractor from 2004 to date, to ensure accountability and proper utilization of public funds.