On Tuesday, October 28, 2025 the House of Representatives highlighted the pressing need to complete the Multipurpose Dam project in Kajola Village, Ile Ife, Osun State. Hon. Ajilesoro Taofeek Abimbola brought the issue to the forefront, emphasizing the significance of the project for local residents.
The construction contract for the Multipurpose Dam was awarded to Reynolds Construction Company Nigeria Ltd on December 21, 2004, for a total of approximately N2.24 billion, with an initial completion timeline of 24 months. However, following the contractor’s mobilization to the site in 2008, only 40% of the project was completed before it was abandoned due to a lack of funds.
In December 2011, the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, with support from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), revised the contract, increasing the total cost to about N10.87 billion and extending the completion period to December 2021. Further adjustments were made in December 2022 when the revised estimated total cost reached approximately N22.59 billion.
The abandonment of the project has raised concerns among local residents, as the dam is intended to provide essential water supply for 11 local government areas across Osun and Ondo States. Hon. Abimbola emphasized that upon completion, the dam would not only supply water but also facilitate hydropower generation, flood control, irrigation development, and fisheries, ultimately creating employment opportunities for the community.
In response to these concerns, the House has resolved to take action. It will mandate the Committee on Public Accounts to investigate the status of the project and assess the amount of funding released to the contractors since 2004. Additionally, the Committee on Water Resources will liaise with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources to ensure appropriate funding is allocated for the project’s completion in the 2026 budget estimates.
