President Bola Tinubu has flagged off the reconstruction and dualisation of the 58-kilometre Ibadan–Ijebu-Ode Road, linking Oyo and Ogun states, while approving the immediate reconstruction and dualisation of the 70-kilometre Abeokuta–Ibadan Road.
The President said the projects were part of his administration’s efforts to improve transportation networks, strengthen economic integration and address critical infrastructure deficits across the South-West.
Tinubu spoke at the flag-off ceremony held at the open field of Legacy Estate, Idi-Ape, Ibadan. He was represented at the event by Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun.
According to the President, the Ibadan–Ijebu-Ode corridor is a major economic route connecting Ibadan, Ijebu-Ode and the Lekki economic axis, while providing links to other parts of the South-West and the country.
He said the project demonstrated the administration’s commitment to improving strategic economic corridors and delivering infrastructure capable of directly impacting the lives of Nigerians.
Tinubu said the road project was not merely the commencement of another construction work but a demonstration that his administration would not allow critical infrastructure deficits to hinder economic growth.
He noted that improved road infrastructure would boost commerce, increase productivity, reduce transportation costs and create employment opportunities for farmers, traders, manufacturers and other Nigerians.
The President disclosed that the Ibadan–Ijebu-Ode project would involve the construction of about 58 kilometres of dual carriageway using continuous reinforced concrete pavement designed to enhance durability and safety.
He said the contractor had assured that the project would be completed in less than 24 months, directing the company to mobilise fully to site, comply with approved specifications and deliver within the agreed timeframe.
Tinubu also appealed to host communities to cooperate with the Federal Ministry of Works, contractors and relevant government agencies to ensure smooth execution of the project.
He warned against encroachment, disruption and unreasonable demands that could delay construction, stressing that the success of the project depended on the cooperation of all stakeholders.
The President said the impact of the road would ultimately be measured by its benefits to Nigerians, including easier movement of agricultural produce from farms to markets, improved transportation of raw materials and finished goods, shorter travel times and better access to employment, education and healthcare.
He added that the reconstruction and dualisation of the Abeokuta–Ibadan Road would further strengthen connectivity between the two major cities and stimulate economic activities across Oyo and Ogun states.
Umahi: Abeokuta–Ibadan Road Procurement Underway
Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, disclosed that Tinubu had directed the immediate reconstruction and dualisation of the 70-kilometre Ibadan–Abeokuta Road.
Umahi said the procurement process for the project was already ongoing, adding that Oyo State currently had 17 major road projects out of the 47 Federal Government projects being executed across the South-West.
The minister also disclosed that Ogun and Ondo states had a combined 82-kilometre stretch of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, which he said would provide access to the biggest seaport currently being developed in Ogun State.
Highlighting other Federal Government projects in the region, Umahi mentioned the 1,068-kilometre Badagry–Sokoto Road, noting that 258 kilometres had already been dualised.
He also cited the 56-kilometre Oyo–Ogbomoso Road, which he said was 80 per cent completed, and the 34-kilometre Oyo–Ibadan Road, which had previously been abandoned but was revived by the present administration.
Umahi described JRB, the contractor handling the Ibadan–Ijebu-Ode project, as one of Nigeria’s best-equipped indigenous construction companies, with a record of executing major projects across the country.
He urged residents of communities along the route to support the contractor and help ensure the project was completed on schedule.
Stakeholders Welcome Road Reconstruction
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell Onyesoh, said the Ibadan–Ijebu-Ode Road was conceived in 1965 during the administration of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo to connect the people of Ibadan and Ijebu.
Onyesoh said the decision to reconstruct and modernise the road would improve its functionality, reduce travel time and minimise accidents along the corridor.
The member representing Ijebu North, Ijebu East and Ogun Waterside Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Joseph Adegbesan, said he moved the motion for the reconstruction because of the road’s importance to the socio-economic development of Oyo and Ogun states.
He said the road provides access to markets, farmlands and educational institutions, expressing appreciation to Tinubu for responding to the demands of residents by awarding the reconstruction contract.
Chairman of the House Committee on Works, Akin Alabi, said the project would bring relief to residents who had endured years of travelling on the deplorable road.
He assured that the people would cooperate with the Federal Government and contractor to ensure timely completion.
In his goodwill message, the Ebumawe of Ago-Iwoye, Oba Rasak Adenugba, recalled the poor condition of the road and its negative impact on communities along the corridor.
He said the reconstruction would revive commercial activities, improve connectivity and reduce accidents, urging residents to support the contractor.
The Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashid Ladoja, said the poor state of the road had also contributed to security challenges by leaving parts of the corridor vulnerable to criminal activities.
Ladoja expressed optimism that the reconstruction would help reduce incidents of banditry and kidnapping while strengthening the peaceful relationship between the people of Ibadan and Ijebu.
He urged the contractor to work diligently towards completing the project as quickly as possible.
The Ibadan–Ijebu-Ode Road contract was awarded on May 5, 2026, with construction commencing on July 11, 2026. The project is scheduled for completion on June 10, 2029.
