Tinubu’s Road Revolution: Lagos-Ibadan-Sagamu Expressway Rebirth Begins

By Mohammed Bello Doka 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially flagged off the reconstruction and expansion of the Lagos-Ibadan Dual Carriageway, alongside Section 1 of the Lagos-Sagamu Expressway, marking another milestone in his administration’s infrastructural renewal agenda.

At the Sagamu launch in Ogun State, Governor Dapo Abiodun, representing the president, emphasized the project's significance, highlighting its role as Nigeria’s busiest highway and a vital economic artery connecting Lagos, the commercial powerhouse, to the 17 southern states.

The ambitious 24-month project includes the construction of underpasses at Kara, Wawa, Magboro, and Arepo, alongside flyover bridges at Kilometer 16 (near Mountain of Fire Ministries) and Kilometer 37 (Makun, Sagamu). Pedestrian bridges will also be erected at Arepo, Magboro, NASFAT, Deeper Life, and Redemption Camp, ensuring safety and accessibility for road users. Additionally, the federal government will flag off the completion of the remaining 60-kilometer stretch of the Sagamu-Benin Expressway to further enhance connectivity.

President Tinubu, through his representative, reiterated his commitment to transforming Nigeria’s transport infrastructure, stating, “The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway is more than just a road; it is the lifeline of commerce and trade, a link that connects our people and fuels our economy. This project aligns with our Renewed Hope Agenda to modernize national road networks, railways, and airports, creating a robust foundation for economic expansion.”

He acknowledged the decades of neglect that had turned the expressway into a death trap, pledging that the upgrade would drastically cut travel time, boost productivity, and improve safety, ultimately easing the cost of doing business in Nigeria.

Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, outlined the project’s scope, revealing that the expansion extends to 24 kilometers in its initial phase and will later incorporate a 48-kilometer stretch from Iperu to Ijebu-Ode. He emphasized transparency in the process, stating that no contractor would receive payments without a valid Advanced Payment Guarantee (APG) and Performance Bond.

Chairman of the House Committee on Works, Hon. Akin Alabi, assured Nigerians of legislative support for the initiative, stressing that the project would not only benefit Ogun State but have far-reaching economic implications for the entire country.

With this massive road overhaul, the Tinubu administration is not just repairing highways; it is paving the way for a more connected, economically vibrant Nigeria.