Oyo Government Approves N7.7bn Surveillance Aircraft Purchase, N83bn For Road Projects

The Oyo State Executive Council has approved the procurement of two surveillance aircraft at a cost of N7.76 billion, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance security across the state.

This was disclosed in a statement on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, following the council’s meeting held in Ibadan on Tuesday.

According to the statement, the aircraft, DA 42 MNG models are specifically designed for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations. They will be equipped with high-end surveillance technology capable of tracking movements and identifying targets from both high and low altitudes.

“The two aircraft already procured cost N7,763,360,000 and will effectively back up Amotekun and other security forces in the state to prevent and destroy bandits in their hideouts,” the statement read.

The aircraft are also expected to be instrumental in combating illegal mining, kidnapping, and other security threats across Oyo State’s extensive land area.

Fixed-Wing Aircraft Over Helicopters

Explaining the choice of fixed-wing surveillance planes over helicopters, Oyelade said the DA 42 MNG models offer lower maintenance costs, better availability of spare parts, and synergy with the Nigerian Air Force, which already operates similar aircraft.

In addition to the aviation investment, the Executive Council approved a series of major infrastructure projects worth over N126 billion, including:

N83.03 billion for the continued construction of the Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road, including new bridges, interchanges, and road clearing across the Northeast and Southwest axes of the 110km project. The government promised that 72km of the road would be completed before the end of Governor Seyi Makinde’s tenure.

N36.35 billion for the asphaltic rehabilitation of key urban roads including:

Secretariat Road

Trans Amusement–UI–Sango Road

Obafemi Awolowo Stadium Road

N6.8 billion for reconstruction of the Mobil–Oluyole Industrial Estate road network.

N595 million for direct interventions in the operations and maintenance of the Light-up Oyo Solar Project, including a monthly allocation of N190 million for continued servicing and upkeep.

Makinde’s Commitment To Security And Development

Governor Makinde’s administration has repeatedly stressed its commitment to security and infrastructural development as pillars of the “Omituntun 2.0” agenda, with the latest approvals forming part of broader efforts to sustain safety, improve mobility, and attract private investment into Oyo State.