President Bola Tinubu has officially flagged off the reconstruction and expansion of the Lagos-Ibadan Dual Carriageway, Section 1, and Section 1 of the Lagos-Sagamu Expressway.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Sagamu, Ogun State, President Tinubu, represented by Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, assured that the project would be completed within 24 months.
He noted that it would cover key areas, including underpasses at Kara, Wawa, Magboro, and Arepo, while flyover bridges would be constructed at Kilometer 16 near the Mountain of Fire Ministries (MFM) and Kilometer 37 at Makun, Sagamu.
Additionally, pedestrian bridges would be constructed at Arepo, Magboro, NASFAT, Deeper Life, and Redemption Camp.
Tinubu also revealed that the construction of the remaining 60 kilometers of the Sagamu-Benin Expressway, from Sagamu Interchange to Itele, would be flagged off to improve road safety.
Strategic Importance of the Road
Describing the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway as Nigeria’s busiest highway and a vital link between Lagos and 17 southern states, President Tinubu reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to infrastructural development.
“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,” he stated.
He added that the government is determined to leverage natural resources by linking rural roads to urban centers, commercial hubs, and industrial corridors, aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Emphasizing the economic benefits of the project, Tinubu said the improved road infrastructure would enhance mobility, sustain economic growth, and improve the quality of life.
He acknowledged the prolonged neglect of the road, which had resulted in numerous accidents and loss of lives.
“The expansion of this expressway will reduce travel time, improve efficiency, enhance safety, and facilitate ease of doing business,” he added.
Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, explained that the Lagos-Ibadan project includes Section 2, Phase 2, which had been awarded to Julius Berger but later terminated due to pricing disagreements.
“In this phase, we are covering Magboro underpass, Warewa underpass, Arepo underpass, Sagamu, and Iperu, which amounts to 12 kilometers by two lanes, making 24 kilometers in total,” Umahi said.
He further disclosed that the next phase would cover an additional 48 kilometers by two lanes, extending from Iperu to Ijebu-Ode as part of the Sagamu-Ore road expansion.
Umahi directed that no contractor should receive payment without an Advanced Payment Guarantee (APG) certificate and a valid Performance Bond.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the House Committee on Works, Hon. Akin Alabi, reiterated the House of Representatives’ commitment to working with the Ministry to ensure good road networks for Nigerians.
He stressed that the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway is not just for Ogun State but will have a far-reaching economic impact on the entire nation.
Ogun State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ade Akinsanya, appreciated the federal government’s inclusion of pedestrian bridges in the project.
He pledged the state’s collaboration with contractors and federal officials to ensure the project is completed on schedule.
The Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, called for the construction of additional flyovers at the Sagamu Junction and the Police Divisional Junction.
He also advocated for the establishment of a fire station to respond to emergencies along the expressway.
Governor Abiodun, on behalf of President Tinubu, officially performed the flag-off ceremony, marking the commencement of the critical infrastructure upgrade.
