Ekiti Government Orders Contractors to Use Local Labour, Materials in Public Projects

Ekiti State Government has ordered contractors handling public projects in the state capital to hire local labour and source materials within the state or face sanctions.

The Director-General of the State Bureau of Local Content, Olalekan Ijidale, gave the warning on Monday during an inspection of ongoing projects. He said Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration would no longer accept contractors who bypass artisans, vendors and small businesses in favour of outsiders.

“Our mandate is clear. Every project must bring direct jobs and economic opportunities to Ekiti people. Contractors must employ local artisans, pay local labour, and buy local materials where possible. This is not negotiable,” Mr Ijidale told journalists.

Mr. Olalekan Ijidale, DG of the State Bureau of Local Content with Ekiti Contractors

During the exercise, officials visited Rutnael Projects Limited, the contractor in charge of the remodelling of the historic Adekunle Fajuyi Memorial Park. The project manager, Akinola Olayinka, pledged to comply, assuring that workers from the state would be engaged and all procurement documented.

The monitoring team also inspected the Government House Chalet handled by Solarboard Construction Company, the Senators’ Lodge by Aloreck Construction Company Limited, the Ado–Ijan–Iluomoba–Imesi Road (Phase I) project by Dipcrest Construction Company, the Okemesi–Ido Ile–Ita Ido Ekiti Road by Banky Construction, and the Ekiti State Indoor Sports Hall by Aron Nigeria Limited.

Mr Ijidale stressed that the Bureau would not rely on verbal promises. Contractors, he said, must submit implementation schedules, payrolls of local artisans, procurement records and subcontracting plans within two weeks. Spot checks, documentation reviews and consultations with artisan associations will also be used to track compliance.

“The goal is simple: to create jobs, strengthen local supply chains, and build the capacity of our artisans and small businesses. Any contractor that fails to comply will face sanctions,” he said.

According to him, the state’s broader vision is to ensure that investments in infrastructure leave lasting value for residents. “Roads, buildings and monuments are not enough. Projects must deliver measurable benefits to our people. That is the standard we will enforce,” he added.