Olayiwola Matthew
The Federal Government has flagged off phase two of the rehabilitation, reconstruction, and expansion of the Lagos-Ibadan dual carriageway and Section One of the Lagos-Sagamu Expressway.
The project, set to be completed in 24 months, will include underpasses at Kara, Wawa, Magboro, and Arepo, as well as flyover bridges at Kilometre 16 near the Mountain of Fire Ministries (MFM) and Kilometre 37 at Makun, Sagamu.
Additionally, five pedestrian bridges will be constructed at Arepo, Magboro, NASFAT, Deeper Life, and Redemption City. Minister of Works, David Umahi, disclosed this during his ongoing inspection of Federal Government projects across the country.
Providing details on the project’s scope, Umahi said: “Phase Two includes underpasses at Magboro, Warewa, Arepo, Sagamu, and Iperu, covering 24 kilometres in total. The next phase will extend from Iperu to Ijebu-Ode, covering 96 kilometres.”
He also mandated strict compliance with financial regulations, ensuring no contractor receives payments without an Advanced Payment Guarantee (APG) certificate and a valid Performance Bond.
The minister expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his dedication to national infrastructure and praised Governor Abiodun for promoting regional unity.
He reaffirmed the commitment to completing the various ongoing road projects under the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“With the renewed push for completion, the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway reconstruction marks a crucial milestone in Nigeria’s infrastructure development drive, promising enhanced road safety, improved connectivity, and economic growth.”
President Bola Tinubu, represented by Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, emphasised the administration’s commitment to prioritising road users’ safety, reducing travel time, and fostering economic growth.
“This project is a significant step in our commitment to infrastructure development.” It will meet international standards and ensure the durability of one of Nigeria’s busiest highways,” Tinubu stated.
The president congratulated the people of Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, and surrounding regions for witnessing this landmark achievement, acknowledging the fundamental role of road infrastructure in national economic development. He also appealed for patience from road users and urged contractors to expedite work.
“This expressway is crucial as it connects Lagos to the rest of the country. The reconstruction commenced in 2013, but this renewed effort is a direct response to the challenges faced by road users,” he added.
Ogun State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Ade Akinsanya, thanked the Federal Government for incorporating footbridges in the project, assuring collaboration to ensure timely completion.
Earlier, the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remo Land, Babatunde Ajayi, urged the government to install overpasses or speed bumps in Sagamu and Ilisan-Ilabo to enhance traffic management and prevent accidents.