By: Lauretta Fagbohun, Abeokuta.
President Bola Tinubu has officially launched the reconstruction and expansion of key sections of the Lagos-Ibadan Dual Carriageway and the Lagos-Sagamu Expressway. The flag-off ceremony took place in Sagamu, Ogun State, with Governor Dapo Abiodun representing the president.
The project, slated for completion within 24 months, includes major upgrades such as underpasses at Kara, Wawa, Magboro, and Arepo, as well as flyover bridges at Kilometer 16 near the Mountain of Fire Ministries (MFM) and Kilometer 37 at Makun, Sagamu. Additionally, pedestrian bridges will be constructed at Arepo, Magboro, NASFAT, Deeper Life, and Redemption Camp. The remaining 60 kilometers of the Sagamu-Benin Expressway from Sagamu Interchange to Itele will also undergo reconstruction to enhance road safety.
President Tinubu emphasized the strategic importance of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, describing it as Nigeria’s busiest highway and a crucial link between Lagos and the 17 southern states. He reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to infrastructure development, highlighting the project’s alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on modernizing roads, railways, and airports to boost economic growth and industrial development.
Acknowledging the long neglect of the road, Tinubu stated that the expansion aims to reduce travel time, improve safety, enhance productivity, and facilitate business operations. The inclusion of the Sagamu-Ore road in the reconstruction underscores the administration’s vision of bringing national roads to international standards.
Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, explained that the Lagos-Ibadan project consists of multiple phases. The current phase includes a 24-kilometer stretch covering Magboro, Warewa, Arepo, Sagamu, and Iperu. The next phase will cover 96 kilometers (48 km per carriageway) from Iperu to Ijebu-Ode, extending towards the Sagamu-Ore road.
Umahi stressed strict financial oversight, mandating that contractors receive payments only upon presenting a valid Advanced Payment Guarantee (APG) certificate and an up-to-date Performance Bond.
House Committee on Works Chairman, Hon. Akin Alabi, reaffirmed legislative support for quality road infrastructure, emphasizing that the project benefits not just Ogun State but the entire nation.
Ogun State Commissioner for Works, Engr. Ade Akinsanya expressed appreciation for the inclusion of pedestrian bridges and pledged the state’s collaboration to ensure swift project completion.
Traditional leader, Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, urged the government to consider additional flyovers at the Sagamu junction and the police divisional junction, as well as the construction of a fire station to handle emergencies.
Following the ceremony, Governor Dapo Abiodun officially flagged off the project on behalf of President Tinubu, marking the beginning of a transformative infrastructure initiative aimed at improving Nigeria’s road network.
