President Bola Tinubu has flagged off the reconstruction and expansion of Section One of the Lagos-Ibadan Dual Carriageway and Section One of the Lagos-Sagamu Expressway.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Sagamu, Ogun State, on Saturday, President Tinubu stated that the project, expected to be completed within 24 months, would include underpasses at Kara, Wawa, Magboro, and Arepo.
Additionally, flyover bridges would be constructed at Kilometre 16, near the Mountain of Fire Ministries (MFM), and Kilometre 37 at Makun, near Sagamu.
This was contained in a statement released by Mr Lekan Adeniran, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Dapo Abiodun, and made available to journalists on Saturday.
The president further disclosed that pedestrian bridges would be built at Arepo, Magboro, NASFAT, Deeper Life, and Redemption Camp.
He also announced the flag-off of the remaining 60-kilometre stretch of the Sagamu-Benin Expressway from the Sagamu Interchange to Itele, aimed at enhancing road safety.
Represented by Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, the president acknowledged the strategic importance of the road as Nigeria’s busiest highway, serving as a crucial link between Lagos, the nation’s commercial capital, and 17 southern states.
He said: “The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway is not just another road; it is Nigeria’s busiest highway and a gateway to the hinterland, connecting Lagos to the rest of the country.
“The Federal Government is committed to leveraging our natural resources by linking rural roads to urban centres, commercial hubs, and industrial corridors. These strategic initiatives align with the Renewed Hope Agenda and our commitment to rebuilding, expanding, and modernising national road networks, railways, and airports, all of which are critical to the country’s economic prosperity.”
President Tinubu stressed that road infrastructure plays a fundamental role in economic growth, mobility, and overall quality of life. However, he lamented the long neglect of the expressway, which has resulted in numerous fatalities due to its poor condition.
He added that upgrading and expanding the expressway would reduce travel time, improve efficiency and productivity, enhance safety, and facilitate ease of doing business in Nigeria.
The president also noted that the inclusion of the Sagamu-Ore section in this phase further demonstrated the Renewed Hope Agenda’s commitment to ensuring Nigeria’s road networks meet international standards and support economic and industrial development.
The Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, explained: “In the Lagos-Ibadan project, we have Section Two, Phase Two. Part of what we are doing today falls under Phase Two, which was initially awarded to Julius Berger. However, after failing to resolve pricing differences, we had to terminate the contract.
“What we are launching today includes works on the Magboro underpass, Warewa underpass, Arepo underpass, Sagamu, and Iperu — a total of 12 kilometres by two lanes, making 24 kilometres.
“The next phase of the project, covering another 48 kilometres by two lanes, will extend from Iperu to Ijebu-Ode, forming part of the Sagamu-Ore road.”
The Minister directed that no payments should be made to contractors without an Advanced Payment Guarantee certificate.
He emphasised that the APG must be valid at the time of payment, and the contractor’s Performance Bond must also be valid before any disbursement.
Chairman of the House Committee on Works, Hon. Akin Alabi, assured that the House would collaborate with the Ministry to ensure Nigerians benefit from a functional road network.
He stressed that the project extends beyond Ogun State and would positively impact Nigeria’s economy.
The Ogun State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ade Akinsanya expressed gratitude to the federal government for including pedestrian bridges in the project.
He assured that the state government would work closely with contractors and federal officials to ensure the project’s timely completion.
The Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, urged the federal government to construct two flyovers at the Sagamu junction and the police divisional junction.
He also called for the establishment of a fire station along the expressway to respond to emergencies.
Governor Abiodun later performed the official flag-off of the project on behalf of President Tinubu.
