Tinubu Flags Off Reconstruction of Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode Road, Approves Abeokuta-Ibadan Dualisation

James Sowole in Abeokuta                                

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 Abeokuta–Ibadan Road.

Tinubu said the projects were part of the federal government’s efforts to strengthen transportation networks, deepen economic integration, and address critical infrastructure deficits across the South-west.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony held at the open field of Legacy Estate, Idi-Ape, Ibadan, Tinubu, represented by Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, said the projects demonstrated his administration’s commitment to improving strategic economic corridors and delivering infrastructure that directly impacted the lives of Nigerians.

The president described the Ibadan–Ijebu-Ode corridor as a major economic artery connecting Ibadan, Ijebu-Ode, and the Lekki economic axis, with links to other parts of the South-west and the country.

He said the occasion demonstrated what purposeful leadership could accomplish when political will was driven by genuine concern for the welfare and prosperity of the people.

The president said the flag-off was more than the commencement of another road project, but “a decisive statement that no critical infrastructure deficit will be ignored and no strategic economic corridor will be allowed to stand in the way of our collective prosperity”.

He stated, “The Ibadan–Ijebu-Ode Road is too important to Oyo State, Ogun State, Lagos and, indeed, the entire Nigeria to be left unattended to.

“Today, the Renewed Hope Agenda moves beyond promises into practical action through a project that will improve mobility, strengthen commerce and create new possibilities for our people.”

The president stated that improved road infrastructure would boost commerce, enhance productivity, reduce transportation costs, and create employment opportunities for farmers, traders, manufacturers, and other Nigerians.

He disclosed that the Ibadan–Ijebu-Ode project would involve the construction of approximately 58 kilometres of dual carriageway using continuous reinforced concrete pavement to ensure durability, safety, and long-term value.

Tinubu said the contractor had assured that the project would be completed in less than 24 months, charging the company to mobilise fully to site, adhere strictly to approved specifications, and deliver the project within the agreed timeframe.

He also appealed to host communities to cooperate with the Federal Ministry of Works, contractors, and relevant government agencies to ensure the smooth execution of the project.

Tinubu warned against encroachment, disruption, and unreasonable demands that could delay construction, stressing that the success of the project depends on the cooperation of all stakeholders.

According to him, the real value of the road would be measured by its impact on Nigerians, particularly through improved movement of agricultural produce from farms to markets, easier transportation of raw materials and finished goods, reduced travel time, and better access to jobs, education, and healthcare.

Tinubu added that the approval for the reconstruction and dualisation of the Abeokuta–Ibadan Road would further improve connectivity between the two major cities and stimulate economic activities across Ogun and Oyo states.

Minister of Works, Mr Dave Umahi, disclosed that Tinubu had directed the immediate reconstruction and dualisation of the 70-kilometre Ibadan–Abeokuta Road, saying the procurement process is already ongoing.

Umahi said Oyo State currently had 17 major road projects out of the 47 Federal Government projects being executed across the South-west.

He added 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.

While highlighting some of the projects being executed by the federal government in the South-west, the minister listed the 1,068-kilometre Badagry–Sokoto Road, stating that 258 kilometres had already been dualised.

He also mentioned the 56-kilometre Oyo–Ogbomoso Road, which he said was 80 per cent completed, as well as the 34-kilometre Oyo–Ibadan Road, which was abandoned but had been resuscitated by the present administration.

Umahi described JRB, the contractor handling the Ibadan–Ijebu-Ode Road, as one of the best-equipped indigenous contractors in the country, with a record of executing quality projects across Nigeria.

He called on the people of the affected communities to support the contractor and ensure the timely completion of the project.

Chairman, Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell Onyesoh, said the road was conceived during the administration of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo in 1965 to link the people of Ibadan and Ijebu.

Onyesoh stated that Tinubu’s decision to reconstruct and modernise the road would make it more functional, 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, Hon. Joseph Adegbesan, said he moved the motion for the reconstruction of the road because of its importance to the socio-economic development of Ogun and Oyo states.

He said the road provided critical access to markets, farmlands, and educational institutions, expressing appreciation to Tinubu for responding to the demands of the people by awarding the contract for its reconstruction.

Chairman, House Committee on Works, Hon. Akin Alabi, said the project would bring relief to the people after many years of travelling on the deplorable road.

Alabi assured the people would cooperate with the federal government and the contractor to ensure the timely completion of the project.

In his goodwill message, the Ebumawe of Ago-Iwoye, Oba Rasak Adenugba, recalled the deplorable condition of the road and its negative effect on the socio-economic development of communities along the corridor.

He said its reconstruction would revive commercial activities, improve connectivity, and reduce accidents, calling on the people to support and cooperate with the contractor for the speedy completion of the project.

The Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashid Ladoja, stated that the poor condition of the road had created security challenges, including making parts of the corridor vulnerable to criminal activities.

He expressed optimism that the reconstruction would help reduce incidents of banditry, and kidnapping, while further strengthening the existing peaceful relationship between the people of Ibadan and Ijebu.

Oba Ladoja urged the contractor to work diligently towards the speedy completion of the project for the benefit of the people.

The Ibadan–Ijebu-Ode Road project was awarded on May 5, 2026, and work commenced on July 11, 2026. It is expected to be completed by June 10, 2029.