Toba Owojaiye reporting
Lagos, Nigeria
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially flagged off the reconstruction and expansion of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to infrastructure development as a catalyst for economic growth. The project covers the completed and ongoing 24-kilometre section, as well as an additional 48-kilometre section, along the Lagos-Ibadan dual carriageway.
Performing the flag-off at Sagamu, Ogun State, Tinubu, represented by Governor Dapo Abiodun, emphasized the strategic importance of the road network to Nigeria’s economy.
“There is no doubt that road infrastructure plays a fundamental role in the socio-economic development of any nation,” the president stated. Quoting renowned architect Norman Foster, he added, “Infrastructure is much more than roads and bridges; it is the foundation that sustains economic growth, facilitates mobility, and enhances the quality of life.”
Truth Live News gathered that the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway is one of Nigeria’s busiest highways, serving as a direct link between Lagos, the country’s commercial capital, and 17 southern states. Tinubu highlighted the project’s role in reducing travel time, improving efficiency and productivity, and ensuring the safety of road users.
“The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway is not just another road; it is the busiest highway in Nigeria and the gateway to the hinterland, serving as the primary link between Lagos, the nation’s commercial capital, and the rest of the country. The federal government is committed to leveraging our natural resources by linking rural roads to urban centers, commercial hubs, and industrial corridors,” Tinubu stated.
The expanded expressway will feature critical infrastructure, including underpasses at Kara, Wawa, Magboro, and Arepo, as well as flyovers at Kilometer 16 (Mountain of Fire Ministries) and Kilometer 37 (Makun, Sagamu). Pedestrian bridges will also be constructed at Arepo, Magboro, NASFAT, Deeper Life, and Redemption Camp. Additionally, the federal government will flag off the reconstruction of the remaining 60 kilometers of the Sagamu-Benin Expressway from Sagamu Interchange to Itele.
Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, praised Tinubu’s strategic vision, emphasizing the necessity of modern road networks for national development.
“In the Lagos-Ibadan project, we have Section Two, Phase Two, and part of what we are doing today is that phase, which was awarded to Julius Berger. When we could not resolve our differences in terms of price, we terminated the job,” Umahi explained. “The next phase of this job is 48 kilometers by two, extending from Iperu to Ijebu-Ode along the Sagamu-Ore route.”
Umahi also revealed that the second phase faced procurement challenges, necessitating a resubmission to the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) for approval within 30 days.
“The second leg of Phase Two, Section Two, of Lagos-Ibadan was wrongly procured. I directed its resubmission to the BPP, and in 30 days, work will commence,” Umahi assured. “In 15 days, the project will be awarded. It is better to flag off both today from Iperu, where the first 24 km stops, to Ijebu-Ode.”
The Lagos-Ibadan project is a significant component of Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes rebuilding and modernizing Nigeria’s national road networks, railways, and airports to drive economic prosperity.
“The federal government is committed to rebuilding, expanding, and modernizing our national road networks, railways, and airports, all vital to economic prosperity,” Tinubu reiterated.
Hon. Akin Alabi, Chairman of the House Committee on Works, pledged legislative support to ensure smooth project execution.
“The House is poised to work with the Ministry to ensure that Nigerians have access to good road networks,” Alabi said. “This road is not just for the people of Ogun State alone; it affects the economic lives of all Nigerians.”
Umahi stressed that no payment would be made to contractors without a valid Advanced Payment Guarantee (APG) certificate and a valid Performance Bond. He assured Nigerians that the government remains committed to transparency and efficiency in project execution.
The expansion of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway represents a significant milestone in Nigeria’s infrastructural development. While past administrations have struggled with its completion, Tinubu’s government is taking decisive steps to ensure the road meets international standards, aligning with broader goals of economic growth and industrialization.
As the flag-off signals the beginning of this new phase, Nigerians will be keenly watching the pace of execution, with hopes that the Renewed Hope Agenda translates into tangible development and ease of movement for all road users.