Ondo Unveils Ambitious Plans for Transport Revamp and Urban Redesign in 2026
By Elizabeth Oyeniwa
Top officials of the Ondo State Government have unveiled their key plans for the 2026 fiscal year, assuring residents of improved governance, modern infrastructure, and strategic urban development.
This followed their appearance before the Ondo State House of Assembly Committee on Finance and Appropriation for the ongoing 2026 budget defence at the Assembly complex in AKure.
Those who defended their proposals include the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti; the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transport, Akogun Olugbenga Omole; and the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr. Sunday Olajide.
Each of them highlighted the administration’s commitment to accountability, innovation, and long-term development.
Speaking with journalists after the budget sessions, the SSG, Dr. Fasoranti, reaffirmed the administration’s focus on fiscal discipline, noting that all expenditures in 2026 will be guided by prudence and transparency.
“The people can expect effectiveness, efficiency, and no frivolous spending.We aim to account for every penny spent and ensure all expenditures are done judiciously.”
He described Ondo as one of the most fiscally responsible states in the country, crediting the leadership of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for strengthening the state’s financial position.
“Our debts have been reduced by almost 80%, and we are committed to maintaining this progress,” he added.
According to him, the Office of the SSG remains fully aligned with the governor’s vision of accountability, fiscal discipline, and responsible governance.
In the transport sector, the Special Adviser to the Governor, Akogun Olugbenga Omole, said residents should expect significant improvements and new innovations that will make movement easier and safer.
He revealed that the state government will begin the construction of ultramodern transport parks across the three senatorial districts, starting with Ore due to its strategic location.
“Ore is a gateway to Lagos and the South-East. The ultramodern facility will be one of the best in Nigeria,” Omole said.
The proposed facility, he explained, will include a modern trailer park, a standard motor park, hotel, casino, loading bay, and other revenue-generating infrastructure comparable to advanced transportation hubs globally.
On traffic management ahead of the festive season, Omole disclosed that the ministry will intensify its annual partnership with the Federal Road Safety Corps and the Police to sensitize drivers and reduce highway accidents.
“We also discourage the sale of alcoholic drinks in motor parks because we do not want drivers to be tempted,” he added.
The adviser also assured residents of Akure, the state capital, of visible changes in the coming weeks as the government begins clearing road obstructions to ease traffic.
“The vision of this government is to make Akure a smart city. At Oba Adesida Road, we will clear roadside trading to prevent the usual festive-season gridlock,” he said.
On urban development, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr. Sunday Olajide, announced that 2026 will witness the implementation of major city planning projects, including the development of master plans for key areas of the state.
He revealed that the state has secured Executive Council approval for the master plan of the Araromi seaside corridor, which will take off fully next year.
He further disclosed that Ondo State has formally entered into a partnership with United Nations Habitat, with an MoU signed in Nairobi to support comprehensive spatial planning.
“This collaboration will help us develop master plans for the three regions of the state,” Olajide said.
According to him, such planning has become necessary due to rapid rural-urban migration and the expansion of major cities.
He noted that urban renewal efforts are already underway in Akure as the government begins the groundwork for a new master plan for the capital city.
“You can see the activities going on in Akure. It will not stop here; similar upgrades will extend to other cities,” he assured.
He expressed confidence in the ministry’s ability to deliver on it’s mandate.
Other Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), including the Judiciary, Ministry of Agriculture, the Office of the Accountant-General, and the State Information Technology Agency (SITA), also defended their 2026 budget proposals before the committee.
They each pledged unwavering commitment to the state’s development agenda, assuring lawmakers that their operations in the coming year will align with the government’s goals of efficiency, transparency, and improved service delivery.
According to the various heads of agencies, all hands will be on deck to ensure that the targets set for the 2026 fiscal year are not only met but surpassed for the benefit of the people of Ondo State.
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